Abide #13: Doctrine and Covenants 107
Channel: Maxwell Institute
Date: 29/10/2021

In early 1835 the first Quorum of the 12 of the Restored Church were called and that spring were tasked with travelling “through the Eastern States, to the Atlantic Ocean, and hold conferences in the vicinity of the several branches of the Church for the purpose of regulating all things necessary for their welfare.” As they prepared to approach their first mission, they requested revelatory instruction from Joseph. This revelation came in response to that request, though the last part of the revelation had actually been received 4 years earlier. 

This revelation demonstrates the continuing process of revealing understanding of priesthood particularly building on some of the ideas introduced in section 84. This expanded administrative offices within the church including deacons, teachers, priests, and elders. As the JSP details, the first individuals were ordained to the high priesthood in June of 1831. It likewise opened the way for multiple bishops and a president of the high priesthood. In late 1831 Newell K. Whitney was appointed Bishop of Kirtland and in early 1832 JS became the president of the high priesthood--on the day the church was organized his position had been that of first elder. The ecclesial structure of the church would continue to expand. 

Today we are glad to be joined by Dr. Steven Harper, Professor of Church History & Doctrine at BYU and Editor of BYU Studies Quarterly. We have been using his fantastic book Making Sense of the Doctrine and Covenants to prepare for every episode of this podcast.