Doctrine and Covenants Section 57

Historical Background

Section 52 designated that 14 pairs of missionaries leave for Missouri. This revelation was given in early June, 1831. By mid-June the Prophet Joseph Smith and other leaders of the Church began their journey. They traveled by wagon to Cincinnati, Ohio; then by wagon, canal boat, and stage to Louisville, Kentucky; then by steamer to St. Louis, Missouri; and on foot from St. Louis to Independence, Missouri ( a distance of 242 miles). The trip took approximately one month. There was a joyous reunion. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, together with their associates, had not seen each other in many weeks. Joseph said the gathering was “moistened with many tears” (Times and Seasons, 15 February 1844). The promise of the Lord was that when these missionaries had gathered He would reveal the location of the New Jerusalem and the place where the temple of that city was to be built.

D&C 57:1-5 The Center Place of the City of Zion

As you read these verses, think of what it must have meant to the Church members who had sacrificed all that they had to come to Missouri. Remember what the scriptures said about the New Jerusalem (see Ether 13:2-11; Revelation 21:10-27; Moses 7:62-64). These verses speak of “the line running directly between Jew and Gentile” (57:4). Remember that the Prophet Joseph sent missionaries to the Lamanites, the descendants of Lehi. Joseph saw the American Indians who lived near Western Missouri as descendants of Lehi, who came from Jerusalem and was therefore a Jew. The purpose of the Book of Mormon was “to the convincing of Jew and Gentile that JESUS is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL GOD, manifesting himself unto all nations” (see Title Page of the Book of Mormon). Throughout his ministry, the Prophet Joseph Smith had a special feeling about the American Indians because of this feeling that they were descended from the Jews.

D&C 57:6-16 Directions to the Faithful

In these verses, the Lord gives specific direction to Church leaders so that the Church might be established in Missouri. In verses 6-10 instructions are given to Sidney Gilbert and Edward Partridge. What were they supposed to do to help those who would be coming to Missouri? What specific calling was William W. Phelps given? See verses 11-12. What about Oliver Cowdery? See verse 13. Summarize the instructions given to members who were coming to Missouri and those who would remain in Ohio. What appears to be the concern of the Lord as the city of New Jerusalem is established? What things should we be concerned about as we attempt to establish Zion in our own lives?

Doctrine and Covenants Section 56

Historical Background

During the Church conference in June 1831, 14 pairs of missionaries had been called to travel from Kirtland to Missouri. (See D&C 52.) They were to preach as they traveled, take different routes, and hold another conference after their arrival. Thomas B. Marsh was assigned to travel with Ezra Thayer (see D&C 52:22). Ezra Thayer had property in Kirtland and was fearful that he would lose it while he was away. The Lord, by revelation to Brother Thayer, told him that Joseph Smith, Sr., would live on the property while Ezra was away. The revelation, never published, also indicated that Joseph, Sr., would have help from other members while Ezra was away. However, Brother Thayer did not leave on his mission. Therefore a new companion needed to be found for Brother Marsh. Newel Knight had been assigned to travel with Selah Griffin (see D&C 52:32). However, Brother Knight and his associates from Colesville, New York, were forced to leave the property owned by Leman Copley in Thompson, Ohio. Therefore, Brother Knight’s family had no where to live. So, Brother Knight was asked to move to Missouri with his family and associates from New York, thereby leaving Brother Griffin without a missionary companion. The solution to the problem was to have Brother Marsh and Brother Griffin serve together and travel to Missouri as a companionship.

D&C 56:1-13 The Lord Commands and Revokes

The Lord has a message to the whole Church (verses 1-4), to Thomas B. Marsh and Newel Knight (verses 5-7), and to Ezra Thayer (verses 8-11). Compare the messages given by the Lord to these three groups. In verses 12-13, what does the Lord say will determine the rewards of Church members? What important lessons do we learn about fulfilling Church assignments? How can this revelation help us understand why missionary assignments are changed, or adjusted?

D&C 56:14-20 A Message to the Rich and to the Poor

Compare what the Lord says to the rich (verses 14-16) and to the poor (verses 17-20). According to these verses, what is more important than wealth or poverty? How can this revelation help us continue to serve the Lord, no matter what our circumstances might be?

Doctrine and Covenants Section 55

Historical Background

William W. Phelps arrived in Kirtland, Ohio, in early June 1831. For two years, prior to his arrival, he had been the editor of a newspaper called The Ontario Phoenix. When he arrived in Kirtland he was 39 years old and married to Sally Waterman. The revelation in this section is in response to Brother Phelps’ request to be involved in the work of the Restoration. It reveals what William’s role will be.

D&C 55:1-3 First Things First

What did William W. Phelps have to do before he could receive a calling in the Church? What callings in the Church are reserved for those who have been baptized, confirmed and ordained to the Melchizedek priesthood? What callings can members serve in if they are not ordained to the priesthood? What can those who are not baptized and confirmed do in the Church?

D&C 55:4-6 William W. Phelps’ Calling

In these verses the word “ordained” is used not only to describe what happens when one receives the priesthood, but also to describe what happens when a member receives a specific assignment or “calling” in the Church. These verses pertain to what we would call William’s calling. What was he to do? What is there in this revelation that should be the pattern for issuing callings to members of the Church?