Doctrine and Covenants Contexts

Name of the Church : The Lord revealed the official name of the Church as “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” This emphasized the importance of acknowledging Jesus Christ as the head of the Church and distinguishing it from other denominations. Command to Build a Temple : The Saints were commanded to build a temple in Far West, Missouri. This temple was to be a place of worship and...

David W. Patten’s Mission : The Lord called David W. Patten to prepare for a mission the following spring. This call emphasized the importance of missionary work and the need for leaders to set an example in spreading the gospel. Vacancies in the Quorum : The revelation indicated that if any members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles were not faithful, their positions would be filled by others w...

Interpretation of Isaiah’s Prophecies : The revelation provides interpretations of specific passages from the Book of Isaiah, clarifying their meanings and how they relate to the latter-day work of the Lord. Role of the Servant : The Lord explains the role of the servant mentioned in Isaiah, identifying him as a leader who will help gather Israel and establish Zion. This servant is seen as a key f...

Reorientation of Priorities : The revelation reoriented Joseph Smith and his companions, emphasizing the importance of focusing on gathering people and not being overly concerned about debts. The Lord reassured them that He was not displeased with their efforts despite their follies. Search for Treasure : Joseph and his companions went to Salem, Massachusetts, based on a tip about buried treasure....

Reorientation of Priorities : The revelation reoriented Joseph Smith and his companions, emphasizing the importance of focusing on gathering people and not being overly concerned about debts. The Lord reassured them that He was not displeased with their efforts despite their follies. Search for Treasure : Joseph and his companions went to Salem, Massachusetts, based on a tip about buried treasure....

Visions and Visitations : On April 3, 1836, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery experienced a series of visions in the Kirtland Temple. They saw the Lord Jesus Christ, who declared Himself as the crucified and resurrected Savior, and received priesthood keys from Moses, Elias, and Elijah. Restoration of Keys : Moses conferred the keys of the gathering of Israel, Elias bestowed the keys of the gospel o...

Key Points: Dedicating the Kirtland Temple : On March 26, 1836, Joseph Smith prepared to dedicate the Kirtland Temple, the first House of the Lord in this dispensation. That day, he met with Oliver Cowdery and others to prepare a prayer, a thoughtful process because Joseph had never done this before. Oliver recorded that he helped Joseph compose the prayer for the solemn occasion. Solemn Assembly...

Key Points: Seeking Revelation through Joseph Smith : On December 26, 1835, Lyman Sherman, a member of the recently established Quorum of the Seventy, approached Joseph Smith with a profound impression. Feeling “wrought upon”—unsettled and prompted—he shared his need for guidance, hoping to receive a revelation clarifying his duty. Joseph then received section 108 for Lyman, providing him with cou...

Key Points: Calling of the First Quorum of the Twelve Apostles : In early 1835, Joseph Smith called and ordained the first Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in this dispensation. These young Apostles, recognizing the importance of their calling, gathered frequently to receive Joseph's instruction. At a March council, Joseph proposed they travel east to organize and support Church branches, which marke...

Key Points from the Article: Warren Cowdery's Conversion and Calling : In 1834, after supporting Joseph Smith and his companions during recruitment efforts for the Camp of Israel, Warren Cowdery, Oliver’s older brother, sympathized with the Saints and joined the Church. Observing a need for consistent leadership, Warren expressed interest in knowing the Lord’s will for him. Revelation of Section 1...

Key Points from the article: Missouri Mission Setback : In 1834, as the Camp of Israel journeyed to Missouri hoping to reclaim the Saints' land in Jackson County, Governor Dunklin withdrew his promise to provide militia support. Joseph Smith had urged the Saints in the east to send aid, but many responded too late, limiting the camp’s ability to defend the land. Revelation for Peace : Facing hosti...

Parable Connection : The Savior's story in Luke 16:19-31 of the rich man and Lazarus inspired Doctrine and Covenants 104, applying its lesson to the Latter-day Saints. "Dives," the Latin term for "rich man," became a symbolic figure of wealth and negligence in medieval interpretations and is mentioned here to highlight the consequences of hoarding riches. United Firm's Financial Struggles : The re...

Key Points from the Article: Missouri Saints Seek Counsel : Facing persecution in Missouri, the Saints sent Parley Pratt and Lyman Wight to Kirtland to seek Joseph Smith’s advice. They likely brought news that Missouri’s governor, Daniel Dunklin, was willing to help them reclaim their lands but could not maintain militia support indefinitely. Joseph counseled with his brethren, decided to travel t...

Key Points from the Article: Formation of Church Councils : Joseph Smith convened councils to make Church decisions, especially regarding discipline, as outlined in the Church’s law from 1831 (Doctrine and Covenants 42). As the Church grew, the need arose for standing councils to manage more complex issues. On February 17, 1834, Joseph shared with priesthood leaders a vision-based outline for thes...

Key Points from the Article: Exile News and Joseph’s Prayer : On December 10, 1833, Joseph Smith received devastating news that the Saints in Missouri were being driven from their land, despite having purchased it legally. Joseph, who had hoped for justice through the legal system, was deeply saddened. Unsure why the Lord allowed this, he prayed for the Saints’ return and asked God to remove their...

Key points from the article: Threats and Turmoil : Joseph Smith faced threats from Doctor Philastus Hurlbut, who had vowed to kill him, and the Saints in Missouri were being forced from their lands. Despite this, missionary work around the Great Lakes was thriving. Mission to Pennsylvania and Canada : Amid these challenges, Joseph and Sidney Rigdon embarked on a mission through Pennsylvania, New Y...

John Murdock’s Mission : The Lord called John Murdock to serve a mission to the eastern states, emphasizing the importance of preaching the gospel and gathering the elect. Support for Missionaries : The revelation highlighted the need for the Saints to support missionaries like John Murdock, both spiritually and materially, to ensure the success of their missions. Blessings for Obedience : The Lor...

Prescription for Peace : The Lord provided guidance for the Saints amidst rising opposition and violence in Missouri, urging them to be comforted, rejoice, give thanks, and wait patiently for His intervention. Law of Forbearance and Retaliation : The Lord outlined a law requiring the Saints to bear attacks patiently and not seek revenge. After enduring three offenses, they were to warn their attac...

Command to Build a Temple : The Lord commanded the Saints in Zion to build a temple speedily by the tithing of the people. The temple was essential for the salvation of Zion and required the Saints to keep their covenants and obey the law of sacrifice. Conditional Promises : The revelation is full of conditional statements, emphasizing that if the Saints obey the commandments to build the temple a...

Acquisition of Land : The Saints strategized to acquire several farms in Kirtland, Ohio, including Peter French’s farm, to build a stake of Zion surrounding the House of the Lord. Stewardship and Management : The Lord instructed that Newel Whitney, the bishop in Kirtland, should take charge of the French farm as a good steward, emphasizing that the Lord is the ultimate owner of the land. United Fi...

Chastisement and Love : The Lord chastised the Saints for not building the temple as commanded, emphasizing that His chastisement is a sign of His love and a means for their forgiveness. Importance of the Temple : The temple was crucial for the Saints to receive an endowment of heavenly power, learn the Lord’s law, and come into His presence. The Lord stressed that the temple was the way out of da...

Key points from this section: Command to Build: The Lord commands the Saints to build a house for the work of the Presidency and a printing house in Kirtland, Ohio. Specific Instructions: Detailed instructions are given for the dimensions and design of these buildings, emphasizing that they must be built according to the pattern provided by the Lord. Consecration and Purity: The buildings are to b...

Key points from this section: Nature of God and Man: This section reveals important truths about the nature of God and man, emphasizing that all people were with God in the beginning and that the elements are eternal. Grace to Grace: It describes how Jesus Christ progressed from grace to grace until He received a fullness of the glory of the Father, and it teaches that individuals can also progres...

Key points from this section: Frederick G. Williams’ Role: The revelation instructs that Frederick G. Williams, who had recently been appointed as a counselor to Joseph Smith, should be received into the United Firm (also known as the United Order) and be an active member. Commandment to the United Firm: It emphasizes the importance of the United Firm in managing the Church’s business and welfare...

Key points from this section: Nature of the Apocrypha: The revelation states that the Apocrypha contains many things that are true and is mostly translated correctly, but it also includes many interpolations by the hands of men that are not true. Guidance on Reading: It advises that those who read the Apocrypha should do so with the guidance of the Spirit, as the Spirit can help discern the truth...