“The Restoration of the Priesthood”: D&C 13; 20:38-67; 27:12-13; 84:6-30; 107:1-20; 110:11-16; Joseph Smith—History 1:66-73

Keywords

priesthood restoration, Oliver Cowdery, divine authority

Abstract

“Ordained a priest after the order of the Son of God, which order was without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life. And all those who are ordained unto this priesthood are made like unto the Son of God, abiding a priest continually.” (JST—Hebrews 7:3)

“[The] priesthood continueth in the church of God in all generations, and is without beginning of days or end of years.” (D&C 84:17)

Prelude to Receiving the Priesthood

After hundreds of years God’s priesthood power returned to the earth in a series of remarkable visions and angelic visitations. Oliver Cowdery played an important role in the restoration of the priesthood. He had come to Palmyra, New York in the winter of 1829 to serve as the teacher of a school over which Hyrum Smith was a trustee. Upon his arrival Oliver asked to be a boarder at Joseph Smith, Sr.’s home. In the process of time Oliver began to hear about the golden plates that Joseph Smith, Jr. had in his possession in Harmony, Pennsylvania. Eager to learn more he continued to ask Joseph, Sr. all about the plates until his searching was satisfied. Soon thereafter Oliver received the impression that it would be his opportunity to serve as scribe for the Prophet. As soon as the school term was completed in early spring, Oliver put his affairs in order and set out for the 135 mile journey to Harmony, Pennsylvania with Joseph’s younger brother Samuel.

Original Publication Citation

“The Restoration of the Priesthood: D&C 13; 20:38-67; 27:12-13; 84:6-30; 107:1-20; 110:11-16; Joseph Smith—History 1:66-73.” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. 2013.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2013

Publisher

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Marketing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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