Doctrine and Covenants Section 21

Historical Background

The Church was officially organized on the 6th of April, 1830. The ceremonial organization was to comply with New York State law which stipulated that at least three persons (and not more than nine) should indicate by a certificate of incorporation that they were responsible for transacting business in behalf of the religious society. The name that was used to identify the organization was “The Church of Christ.”

Six men were identified as officers in the Church. They were:
Joseph Smith, Jr., age 24, married to Emma Hale
Oliver Cowdery, age 23, single
Hyrum Smith, age 30, married to Jerusha Barden
David Whitmer, age 25, single
Samuel H. Smith, age 22, single
Peter Whitmer, Jr., age 20, single

The actual meeting for the purpose of organizing the Church took place in the home of Peter Whitmer, Sr., Fayette, New York. A picture of a replica of this structure is generally in the back of more recent editions of the Triple Combination.

D&C 21:1-8 A New Calling for Joseph Smith

In previous revelations, the Lord indicated that Joseph’s calling was to translate the record of the Nephites (See D&C 5:4). In D&C 20:2 it is declared that he has been ordained an apostle and will be the first elder of the Church. (There was no First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve, Quorums of the Seventy, stakes, wards, branches, or missions when that revelation was received. The total population of the Church at the time Section 21 was given may have been 70 people.) What titles and responsibilities does the Lord say Joseph has now? What is the responsibility of the Church toward Joseph Smith? What does the Lord know about Joseph? What does the Lord know about you?

D&C 21:9 A Mighty Blessing

What is the mighty blessing that the Lord promised to those who believe the words of Joseph Smith?

D&C 21:10-12 The Calling of Oliver Cowdery

Prior to this revelation, Oliver Cowdery was Joseph’s scribe as he dictated the Nephite record from the gold plates. Oliver had ordained Joseph to the Aaronic Priesthood and had baptized Joseph (see D&C 13). What new responsibilities were given to Oliver in the first meeting of the Church? What responsibilities do you have in the Church that can be traced back to the authority given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery?