Study and Teaching Helps: 2025 Doctrine & Covenants — D&C 18

D&C 18:1-6 “The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail”

This section is for Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, who (along with Martin Harris), would have a role in the calling of the twelve apostles. The Lord’s words to Oliver in verses 2-6 provide a pattern for each of us:

- The Lord has given us His witness that the Book of Mormon is true, as “manifested unto [us], by [His] Spirit in many instances” (verse 2). It’s wonderful to know that He knows that we know.

- Our testimony of the Book of Mormon compels us to “rely upon” on its sacred writings (verse 3).

- The Book of Mormon is key to the latter-day restoration, for it contains “all things … concerning the foundation of my church” (verse 4).

- Each of us has a role in helping to “build up” the Lord’s Church; the promise being that as we do so, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against [us]” (verse 5).

- “The world is ripening in iniquity” and the Lord is stirring up its inhabitants to repentance (verse 6).

Have you received multiple manifestations by the Lord’s Spirit that the Book of Mormon is true? Have you learned to rely on its teachings? How do you feel about your role in helping to build up the Lord’s church in the last days?

D&C 18:9, 37-38 The Three Witnesses Are to “Search Out” the Twelve Apostles

In verse 9 the Lord mentions “Paul mine apostle” and then identifies Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer as being “called even with that same calling with which he was called,” meaning that they would be ordained apostles, allowing them to assist in the calling of the first members of the of the Quorum of the Twelve in this dispensation.

This role of the Three Witnesses relates to the practice of knowing one’s priesthood “line of authority.” Most men in the Church trace their priesthood line to the Three Witnesses (mostly through Brigham Young), but the question may be asked, when were the Three Witnesses ordained to the apostleship, thus allowing them to ordain others? Note the following:

Oliver Cowdery

- In late May or early June 1829, Peter, James, and John appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and conferred upon them the Melchizedek priesthood (see Joseph Smith—History 1:72; D&C 128:20).

- This ordination of Joseph and Oliver included the apostleship, as verified by the Lord in Doctrine and Covenants 20:2-3; 21:10; 27:12.

David Whitmer

- In Doctrine and Covenants 17 the Lord revealed that Oliver and David, along with Martin Harris, were to be the three special witnesses of the divinity of the Book of Mormon. In Doctrine and Covenants 18:9 the Lord certified the callings of Oliver and David as apostles, and in verse 37 the Lord assigned them to “search out the Twelve.”

- In 1852 Brigham Young stated: “Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer were the first Apostles of this dispensation” (Journal of Discourses, 6:320; see also Larry C. Porter, “David Whitmer’s Calling,” Ensign, Dec. 1996).

Martin Harris

- When Section 18 was given, it appears that Martin was not assigned to help Oliver and David to search out the Twelve because at this time Martin was out of favor with the Lord (see D&C 19:13-20, 25-26). However, Martin was later called to share this sacred responsibility (see History of the Church 2:186–87).

- Heber C. Kimball, one of the original members of the Twelve, taught: “Peter comes along with James and John and ordains Joseph to be an Apostle, and then Joseph ordains Oliver, and David Whitmer, and Martin Harris; and then they were ordered to select twelve more and ordain them. It was done” (Journal of Discourses, 6:29).

The Twelve Apostles

- On February 14, 1835, Joseph Smith met with a number of brethren in the Kirtland schoolhouse and stated that the first business of the meeting was for the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon to pray and then choose the Twelve.

- Oliver, David, and Martin prayed together and then each received a blessing under the hands of Joseph Smith and his counselors (Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams).

- Oliver, David, and Martin then announced the names of the Twelve and ordained three of them (Lyman E. Johnson, Brigham Young, and Heber C. Kimball; the other nine apostles were ordained between February 15 and April 26, 1835).

- Heber later recorded, “After we had been thus ordained by these brethren, the First Presidency laid their hands on us and confirmed these blessings and ordinations” (see History of the Church, 2:185–88).

D&C 18:9-16 The Worth of Souls

We are all familiar with the words, the worth of souls is great in the sight of God (verse 10).

- What did the Lord say in verses 11-16 that helps you understand how great our worth is to Him?

- What role does repentance play in all this? (mentioned in verses 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15).

- The Lord mentions “joy” four times in these verses. Think of the joy you have experienced as you have helped bring a soul to Christ.

D&C 18:17-25 My Gospel and My Rock

Find in these verses the principles and doctrines that could be considered the basic definition and message of the gospel.

D&C 18:26-46 The Apostles

Study these verses and make a list of the things the latter-day apostles are called to be and to do; looking especially for the words shall and must. How have members of the Twelve blessed your life?

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