Doctrine and Covenants Section 36

Historical Background

Sidney Rigdon traveled to Fayette, New York in November/December 1830. He did not travel alone. Edward Partridge, a business man from Painesville, Ohio, also accepted the message of the Restoration preached by Oliver Cowdery and his associates as they traveled to the Lamanites in Missouri. This revelation is a response to Edward’s desire to understand what his role in the Church should be. He would later be called as the first bishop of the Church.

D&C 36: 1-8 A Commandment Concerning All Men
In this revelation the Lord explains how Edward will receive his authority and what he is to do with it. This is the pattern followed by all in this generation who are called to preach the gospel. Who may set apart missionaries today? What qualifications do missionaries have to have today? What do they do with their authority? How have you been blessed by the actions of faithful missionries?