Much of the medicine practiced in New Testament times was greatly influenced by the Greek physician Hypocrates (of the Hypocratic oath). He laid down certain principles that were to be followed by all doctors.

Some of these were:

- the life and welfare of the patient should come first
- Male doctors were not to take advantage of female patients
- Abortions were not performed
- medical history of a patient is confidential

In Palestine, it was insisted by the rabbis that every town have a physician, and preferably a surgeon as well. There was also a doctor for all the temple priests, as they were more susceptible to certain diseases because they worked barefoot.