June 17, 1829 - D&C 18 was received

[Hemidakota]

June 17, 1829 - 1829— Fayette, New York. Joseph Smith received D&C 18, a revelation to himself, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer concerning the worth of souls in the sight of God. (History of the Church, 1:177–79)

Historical Setting: "Nearly six years before the calling of the Twelve Apostles in this dispensation, and several months before the organization of the Church, the Lord indicated by revelation that a council of twelve Apostles would be chosen, and Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer were informed that it was to be their privilege to choose out the Twelve and instruct them in the duties of that calling. . . .

"At this early day, Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, who had sought the privilege of acting as two of the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon were appointed by divine revelation to seek out the Twelve. Martin Harris, who had been named as the other witness, was not named in this revelation as one who should share in this great honor. It was by sore and sincere repentance that the privilege was granted him to become a witness of the Book of Mormon, and the Lord still withheld from Martin the full exercise of his spirit when the call of the other two men came to choose out the Twelve. Before the time arrived for the choosing of the twelve special witnesses for Christ six years later, Martin had placed himself in a position where he could be recognized, and therefore the Prophet, by the revelation of the Lord, included Martin Harris with the other brethren in the choosing and ordaining of the Twelve Apostles." (Joseph Fielding Smith, CHMR 1:80, 82.)

"Before the Church could be organized it was essential that there be revealed such matters as pertained to the organization of the Church. This was done between the time the witnesses viewed the plates of the ancient record and the sixth of April, 1830. The first of these (D&C Sec. 18) was given to Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, at Fayette. It made known the calling of the Twelve Apostles who should be chosen in this dispensation, although it was about six years before they were called. It gave instructions 'relative to the building up of the Church of Christ according to the fulness of the Gospel.'" (Joseph Fielding Smith, ECH, pp. 84-85.)

Joseph Smith - We now became anxious to have that promise realized to us, which the angel that conferred upon us the Aaronic Priesthood had given us [sec. 13], viz., that provided we continued faithful, we should also have the Melchizedek Priesthood, which holds the authority of the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. We had for some time made this matter a subject of humble prayer, more particularly to seek of the Lord what we now so earnestly desired; and here, to our unspeakable satisfaction, did we realize the truth of the Savior's promise—"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you"—for we had not long been engaged in solemn and fervent prayer, when the word of the Lord came unto us in the chamber [of old Father Whitmer in Fayette, Seneca County (Sec. 128:21)], commanding us that I should ordain Oliver Cowdery to be an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ; and that he also should ordain me to the same office; and then to ordain others, as it should be made known unto us from time to time. We were, however, commanded to defer this our ordination until such times as it should be practicable to have our brethren, who had been and who should be baptized, assembled together, when we must have by vote whether they were willing to accept us as spiritual teachers or not; when also we were commanded to bless bread and break it with them, and to take wine, bless it, and drink it with them; afterward proceed to ordain each other according to commandment; then call out such men as the Spirit should dictate, and ordain them; and then attend to the laying of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, upon all those whom we had previously baptized, doing all things in the name of the Lord. The following commandment will further illustrate the nature of our calling to this Priesthood, as well as that of others who were yet to be sought after. [section 18.] (HC 1:60-62, June 1829; Fayette, New York.)

Background Narration:

Joseph Fielding Smith - Nearly six years before the calling of the Twelve Apostles in this dispensation, and several months before the organization of the Church, the Lord indicated by revelation that a council of twelve Apostles would be chosen, and Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer were informed that it was to be their privilege to choose out the Twelve and instruct them in the duties of that calling . . .

At this early day Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, who had sought the privilege of acting as two of the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon were appointed by divine revelation to seek out the Twelve. Martin Harris, who had been named as the other witness, was not named in this revelation as one who should share in this great honor. It was by sore and sincere repentance that the privilege was granted him to become a witness of the Book of Mormon, and the Lord still withheld from Martin the full exercise of his spirit when the call of the other two men came to choose out the Twelve. Before the time arrived for the choosing of the twelve special witnesses for Christ six years later, Martin had placed himself in a position where he could be recognized, and therefore the Prophet, by the revelation of the Lord, included Martin Harris with the other brethren in the choosing and ordaining of the Twelve Apostles. (CHMR, Vol. 1, pp. 75, 77)

Steven Harper - The Lord reveals Doctrine and Covenants 18 because Oliver Cowdery desires to know how to build the Church of Jesus Christ. The Lord tells him to rely on the Book of Mormon manuscript he has penned as Joseph translated. The Spirit has confirmed its verity to Oliver repeatedly. He can use it to compose a foundational document for the Church that is soon to be restored. If they build the Church on this foundation, "hell shall not prevail against" them (v. 5).

Meanwhile, mankind is increasingly wicked and needs to repent and be baptized, just as Joseph recently obeyed the Lord's command to baptize Oliver. The Lord commands Oliver not to marvel that Joseph has been called. Oliver may not know the answer to the question "Why Joseph?" but the Lord does.

The Lord teaches apostles Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer the value of a soul and thus the importance of repentance. Apostles are to remember the value God gives to each soul. The Redeemer suffered death for each and every soul so that each one could repent and come to him. The revelation sounds like an equation: The value of each soul is directly proportionate to the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ. He conquered death to bring the repentant to him. He feels great joy in repentant souls. For this reason Oliver and David are to cry repentance. If they spend their whole lives and only a single soul repents, their joy with that soul will be great in Heavenly Father's kingdom. How much greater joy, then, to help many repent? They are to follow the Book of Mormon in preaching the law of the gospel with faith, hope, and charity by inviting all mankind to come to Christ and assume his name, becoming his.

Section 18 promises the calling of twelve apostles in the restored Church. The Lord speaks to them, promising grace sufficient to save them if they choose to meet the conditions on which he offers it: Walk uprightly and do not sin. He will ordain them to ordain others to declare the gospel by the power of the Holy Ghost, according to the will of God. Jesus Christ has so declared. These are his words, and the apostles can therefore testify they have heard his voice. Without his power they would not have the revelation to read. They do have it, and so they can testify that they know his words. Oliver and David are to select these apostles, who will be known by their desires, manifest in their works. (‘Making Sense of the Doctrine and Covenants’ by Steven C. Harper)

Section Header Notes: Revelation to Joseph Smith the Prophet, Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, given at Fayette, New York, June, 1829: Making known the calling of Twelve Apostles in these last days; and also containing instructions relative to building up the Church of Christ according to the fulness of the Gospel. When the Aaronic Priesthood was conferred, the bestowal of the Melchizedek Priesthood was promised. See heading to Section 13. In response to fervent supplication for greater knowledge on the matter the Lord gave this revelation. See History of the Church, vol. 1, pp. 60-64.—Diligence enjoined—Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer called with the calling of Paul the Apostle of old—The value of souls emphasized—The great joy attending conversion of souls to the Gospel of Christ—The calling of twelve to assist in the ministry foreshadowed—The Twelve, here called disciples but later named Apostles, to be chosen from among those who desire to take upon them the name of Christ with full purpose of heart—Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer commissioned to search out the Twelve.

Versus amount: 47

Suggested link: D&C 13, D&C 128

Summary and Conclusion: As we participate with the Savior in these various labor opportunities it would be well that we plan and serve with the following admonitions in mind:

Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; (D&C 18:10)

. . . Take upon them [you] my name with full purpose of heart. (D&C 18:27)

. . . how great will be your joy if you shall bring many souls unto me! (D&C 1) (Sacred Truths of the Doctrine and Covenants , vol. 1, by L. G. Otten, C. M. Caldwell, p.74)

Edited June 17, 2010 by Hemidakota