Where Did The Phrase "Good Samaritan"� Originate?

The Samaritans were a society of people with whom the Jews were traditionally on bad terms. A Samaritan would not normally help a Jew, which is the point of this parable.

A man was attacked by robbers who left him injured and dying by the wayside. Several people of his own faith and nationality saw him lying there, but didn't want to get involved and passed by on the other side of the road. Eventually a Samaritan passed that way. This man stopped, helped him get to safety, got him food and paid for a doctor to visit him.

Today there is an organisation which helps people who are depressed or suicidal. It was named "The Samaritans" after this story, to illustrate the point that people should always help each other regardless of race or religion; and that someone who you have learned to regard as an enemy may well be a friend.