Doctrine and Covenants Section 82

Historical Background

Section 78, given on 1 March 1832, instructed Joseph Smith and his associates to go to Missouri to council with the Saints. There were about 400 members in Missouri at this time, less than would be in an average sized ward today. There were specific things that needed to take place in Missouri. First, Joseph needed to be sustained as the President of the High Priesthood, as he had been in Ohio; second, hard feelings that existed between prominent Church members needed to be resolved. Minutes from the meeting read as follows:

“Joseph Smith was acknowledged by the high priests in the land of Zion to be president of the high priesthood, according to the commandment and ordination received in Ohio at the conference held in Amherst on January 25, 1832. . . . Brother Sidney Rigdon then stated the items embraced in a revelation received in Ohio [section 78] and the reason why we were commanded to come to this land and sit in council with the high priests here. For particulars of which, read the commandment. . . . All differences were settled and the hearts of all ran together in love. A revelation was then received, through him whom the Church has appointed, on the subject of organization” (Far West Record, p. 24-25; spelling and grammar standardized).

The commandment mentioned in D&C 78 had to do with the establishment of the “United Firm,” which would help raise money for the Church through business ventures. The intent of D&C 82 is to establish a United Firm in Zion, or among the members of the Church in Missouri.

D&C 82:1-7 Watch for the Adversary

Find the words “trespasses,” and “sins,” and “transgressions,” in these verses, in all of their forms. What principles does the Lord teach concerning sin and repentance in these verses? Memorize D&C 82:3.

D&C 82:8-15 A New Commandment

In verse 11, there are names mentioned. These are names of prominent Church leaders. They had been angry with each other. How would the words in verses 8-15 help them get over their anger? How do the covenants we have made with the Lord help us to be faithful to each other? Memorize D&C 82:10. Cross-reference: Isaiah 54:2; 52:1.

D&C 82:16-24 An Everlasting Order

Look for commandments and principles that the Lord gives these men who will work to make money in businesses. How would these principles help business partners be successful today? What does being successful in business have to do with building up the kingdom of God? What does it mean in verse 22 when the Lord says, “make friends with the mammon of unrighteousness?” Cross-reference: Matthew 10:16; D&C 111:10-11.