Luke was a doctor, why didn't he heal?

"Now He arose from the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. But Simon’s wife’s mother was sick with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her. 39So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them".                                          Luke 4:38-39   NKJV

Many scholars have debated this piece of scripture. 'If Luke was a doctor, why didn't he treat Simon's mother in law, after-all, it seemed common sense that he did?' Well, it's true that Luke was a doctor but that didn't mean he would minister to her at this time. There may be a doctor who is part of a church, but it is unlikely that he would be called on to apply healing. What this lady needed was divine healing, the type of healing that is instant and, Jesus provided this. It is the same when Luke used to go on missions with  Jesus and the disciples and later with Paul,, his presence was to apply his medical skills to the disciples not to to provide a healing ministry, although there may have been times when he did.

 In the early church, it was common for believers to continue their secular work while also serving the church, and Luke’s medical training was often used to support the missionary efforts of the Apostle Paul. 
Here is why Luke was a doctor and a disciple:

Profession as a Calling: Luke is identified in Colossians 4:14 as "the beloved physician". He was a well-educated Gentile from Antioch, Syria, trained in the Greek school of medicine. He brought this background to his ministry, often focusing on healing and caring for the suffering.

• Medical Missionary and Traveller: Luke joined the Apostle Paul on his missionary journeys, likely acting as a traveling doctor to Paul, who suffered from a "thorn in the flesh" (2 Cor 12:7) and frequent illnesses. He provided medical care for missionaries and likely helped open doors for the gospel by healing people they encountered.

• Documenting the Gospel: Luke’s training as a physician made him a "careful researcher". He used his skills in observation and detailed recording to compile an "orderly account" of the life of Jesus and the acts of the apostles. His writing style, often featuring precise medical terminology, reflected his scientific background.

• The "Physician of the Soul": Early church tradition often viewed Luke’s role as transitioning from a doctor of the body to a "physician of the soul," combining his medical expertise with his evangelistic work.

• Loyalty to the End: While other companions left Paul, Luke remained with him during his imprisonment in Rome (2 Timothy 4:11), acting as both a companion and a medical caregiver in his final days.      

In summary, Luke's profession as a doctor was not a hindrance to his discipleship, but rather a tool he used to support the early church, care for his colleagues, and meticulously document the Christian faith.

Luke's professional qualifications were a great asset to the early church, just has today's professional people are to the body. Within our churches we have doctors, nurses, surgeons, solicitors, electricians, chefs, carpenters, social workers and a host of other qualified or well-trained people. Yet the majority are not used for their skills, they may offer advice and do the odd job but normally, that's all. However, at the click of a finger God can use these people for whatever He chooses. Some may go on missions abroad, others may not be used this way.

Let us not forget that Jesus was a carpenter but, we don't read of Him applying this skill throughout the gospels. He may have done at some point and we'll find this out when we can ask Him face to face. The point I'm making is that, throughout the church worldwide, there is wealth of skill that is ready to be used if Jesus needs this. I can't see our skills being wasted, they will be used if not here on this earth, they will be used in heaven when we get there. There are many musicians in the church. There'll be music in heaven so, who knows some of you may be leading the worship in the Lord's and the angels presence. 

We don't really know about this, but it is food for thought. Nothing, I repeat nothing, is ever wasted by Jesus. So if you're training for something right now, keep on doing it because one day, you may well be putting this skill into action. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers
Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle Check it out. Just tap on Grahame Howard books.

If you would like to contact me email grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Copyright 2026 Grahame Howard.