BYU ScholarsArchive

Article Title

When Did Joseph Smith Know the Father and the Son Have “Tangible” Bodies?

Authors

John W. Welch

Keywords

BYU Studies, First Vision, tangible bodies, Joseph Smith

Abstract

Joseph Smith learned many things in the First Vision—it was a burst of knowledge that poured down upon him in the spring of 1820. Particularly, he was greeted by two divine beings, “whose brightness and glory defy all description.” The first of the two, “pointing to the other,” said, “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (JS–H 1:17). Joseph then listened as Jesus spoke. That experience gave more authoritative answers to questions about the Godhead than anyone in the world had received since the vision of Stephen, who saw a heavenly vision of Jesus, “the Son of man standing on the right hand of God,” only a few years after Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection (Acts 7:55–56).

Recommended Citation

Welch, John W. (2020) "When Did Joseph Smith Know the Father and the Son Have “Tangible” Bodies?," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 59: Iss. 2, Article 17.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol59/iss2/17