Doctrine and Covenants Section 72

Historical Background

Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were called to stop the inspired revision of the King James Bible and preach the gospel in the regions around Kirtland to combat the negative things that were being said about them and the Church in that area (see D&C 71:section heading). A few days after this revelation was received, a meeting was held to give instructions to those who would preach with Joseph and Sidney. During this meeting direction was given that Newel K. Whitney should be called as a bishop (see verses 1-8). His responsibility was to be with the Saints in Ohio. Edward Partridge would continue to serve the Saints in Missouri. Additional instructions concerning the duties of a bishop are contained in verses 9-26Section 72 is the Lord’s message to those who will join with Joseph and Sidney in this effort. These instructions appear in verses 9-26.

D&C 72:1-8 Stewards Account to the Lord for Their Stewardships

Notice that the bishop is called by revelation through the President of the Church. Today, bishops are called by stake presidents. However, each bishop must be approved by the First Presidency before he can be called. Find the word bishop in these verses. What direction does the Lord give to Church members concerning bishops? What does it mean to be a steward? What is a stewardship? What is the stewardship of an officer or member of the Church? Who will each member account his or her stewardship to at some point?

D&C 72:9-15 The Duty of the Bishop: Care for the Poor

According to verse 10, what is the responsibility of the bishop in connection with the “Lord’s storehouse?” How shall the bishop help the poor? Where do the resources come from to help the poor? See verses 11-13. If the bishop in Ohio does not have enough to meet the needs of the poor from the resources he has available to him, what should he do? See verses 13-15. In the Church today, if a ward cannot meet the needs of its people through Fast Offerings, the stake presidency may make funds available from other wards.

D&C 72:16-19 The Duty of Members: Account to the Bishop

What are the members supposed to “render an account” of when they speak to the bishop? When the accounting is done, what does the bishop give the member? In the Church today, this accounting takes place during tithing settlement. The bishop gives the member a summary statement of the contributions that have been given. The member declares to the bishop whether he or she is a full tithe payer.

D&C 72:20-23 Directions to the Literary Firm

What was the Literary Firm commanded to do and how was the bishop, or bishops, to help them?

D&C 72:24-26 What to do When Members Move to a Another Unit of the Church

In these verses there are instructions given to members who are going to move from Ohio to Zion (Missouri). What are they directed to do so that the Church leaders in Missouri will know that the new members are faithful members of the Church? What does a bishop do, in the Church today, to verify that a new member who comes to his ward is a faithful person?