Those healing illnesses by profession. The OT makes reference to healers (Jer 8:22; 2Chr 16:12) and midwives (Gen 35:17; Gen 38:28; Exod 1:15-22). In addition, priests and prophets or miracle workers (1Kgs 17:17-24; 2Kgs 4:14-37; 2Kgs 4:5) are shown providing medical services; prophets (Isa 38; 2Kgs 20:1-11) and patriarchs (Gen 20:7; Gen 17-18:7) at times served as intermediaries between God and king on the occasion of illness. Practical aids included bandages, salves, poultices, and bone setting (Isa 1:6; Jer 8:22; Ezek 34:4; Ezek 34:16). In the NT, many healing miracles are reported of Jesus (Matt 8:1-4; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 13:10-13; John 9:1-7), but the term “physician” is applied to him only in a metaphorical sense (Mark 2:7). Jesus assumed that healing activity would also characterize his followers (Mark 6:13; Acts 3:1-8; Acts 14:8-10), but again, the title “physician” is never applied to them. Physicians were known in the NT world, however, even if their skills were not always held in high esteem (Mark 5:26). A physician named Luke, whom tradition has identified as the author of the Third Gospel, is mentioned as a companion of Paul (Col 4:14).
