Doctrine and Covenants Section 18

Historical Background

This revelation was received in June of 1829, approximately 10 months before the Church was organized. It is the first revelation that actually addresses the idea of a Church organization. (Remember that Section 1 was written in November of 1831.) Previous revelations (Sections 2-17) describe a “marvelous work” that is “about to come forth” among the children of men. This revelation suggests that the work is very close to coming forth. It answers questions about the fundamental doctrines of the gospel and introduces the idea of apostles to carry the marvelous work to the world. It is the first revelation in this dispensation that actually uses the word “church”, and it uses it many times. At the time this revelation was received, Oliver Cowdery was 22 years old. David Whitmer was 24.

D&C 18:1-8 A Message to Oliver Cowdery

What does the Lord tell Oliver Cowdery concerning the things that are written (the Book of Mormon and the revelations received by Joseph Smith)? What written things do we have today to help us know the truth? What counsel does the Lord give Oliver concerning Joseph Smith? How does this counsel apply to us and our relationship with the current president of the Church?

D&C 18:9 The Callings of Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer

Explain to students that the word “apostle” means “one sent forth”. The Lord compares Oliver and David to the Apostle Paul of the New Testament. Have students look in the Bible Dictionary under “Paul” to discover the significance of this man in the early Christian Church. Paul traveled thousands of miles to build up the congregations of the Church, increase faith, preach the gospel, and establish the Church among the people of all nations. Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer received the same authority and calling as Paul of old. What authority do members of the Church possess today? Cross-references: D&C 13:1; 107:18-20.

D&C 18:10-16 Joy with Christ

Invite students to read these verses and answer these questions: According to the words in these verses, why would the Lord feel joy because someone repents? Why would those who bring people to Christ feel joy with those people in Heavenly Father’s kingdom? Why would a person want to spend all his life inviting people to repent and come to Christ?

D&C 18:17-25 Principles for Apostles

In these verses the Lord gives his apostles some basic principles they must follow and understand if they are to accomplish their mission to the world. What principles are the apostles to follow as they invite people to repent? What principles are new members of the Church to follow after they have received the gospel? Compare these verses to the purpose statement for modern missionaries found in Preach My Gospel: “Invite others to come unto Christ, by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end” (Preach My Gospel, page 1).

D&C 18:26-36 Direction for the Twelve Apostles

Remind students that when this revelation was received there was no Church, no First Presidency, no Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, no Quorums of the Seventy, no wards, stakes, branches, nothing. These parts of the organization of the Church were many years away. But, the Lord prepared Joseph Smith for the day when there would be apostles and a Church. Have students read these verses and list the things the apostles were supposed to remember when the day came that they were chosen and sent to all the world.

D&C 18:37-47 The Calling of Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer

What special calling did Oliver and David receive? What guidance did the Lord give them to help them fulfill their calling? What promises did the Lord give them to help them be faithful in their assignment? To fulfill this calling, Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, together with Martin Harris (the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon) chose the first Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in February 1835.