Doctrine and Covenants Commentary - Section 23

by Don R. Hender


Scriptural Text [& Editorial]
Commentary & Explanation
Footnotes ~ References ~ JST
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Manchester, New York, Apirl 1830, to Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel H. Smith, Joseph Smith Sen., and Joseph Knight, Sen. HC 1:80. As the result of earnest desire on the part of the five persons named to know of their respective duties, the Prophet inquired of the Lord, and received this revelation.
    1—7, These early disciples are called to preach, exhort, and strengthen the Church.

Oliver Cowdery

D&C 23:1 Behold, I speak unto you, Oliver, a few words. Behold, thou art blessed, and art under no condemnation. But beware of apridea, lest thou shouldst enter into btemptation.
D&C 23:2 Make known thy calling unto the church, and also before the aworld, and thy heart shall be opened to preach the truth from henceforth and forever. Amen.

 1a But beware of pride Oliver Cowdery was the Second Elder of the Church. He participated in the translation of the Book of Mormon. He recieved the to great priesthoods under the hands of John, the Baptist and Peter, James and John. He baptised the prophet Joseph Smith. It was a position which was subject to feelings of pride, which could overwhelm a person's self perspective of humility and meekness before God into a feeling of inappropriate self importance. And this is what eventually occured with Oliver Cowdery, as he did not forever stand meekly at the side and in support of God's prophet, Joseph Smith.

Hyrum Smith

D&C 23:3 Behold, I speak unto you, Hyrum, a few words; for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy heart is opened, and thy tongue aloosed; and thy calling is to exhortation, an to bstrengthen the church continually. Wherefore thy duty is unto the church forever, and this because of thy family. Amen.

Samuel Smith

D&C 23:4 Behold, I speak a few words unto you, aSamuel; for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church; and thou art not as yet called to preach before the world. Amen.

Joseph Smith, Sen.

D&C 23:5 Behold, I speak a few words unto you, Joseph; for thou also art under no acondemnation, and thy calling also is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church; and this is thy duty from henceforth and forever. Amen.

Joseph Knight

D&C 23:6 Behold, I manifest unto you, Joseph Knight, by these words, that you must take up your across, in the which you must bpray cvocally before the world as well as in secret, and in your family, and among your friends, and in all places.
D&C 23:7 And, behold, it is your duty to unite with the true achurch, and give your language to exhortation continually, that you may receive the reward of the blaborer. Amen.