CFM: February 17–23
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D&C 15 STUDY GUIDE
Chapter Outline
Overview
Doctrine & Covenants 15 is a June 1829 revelation directed to John Whitmer. Like sections 14 and 16 (given to David Whitmer and Peter Whitmer Jr., respectively), this counsel was received while Joseph Smith was in Fayette, New York, completing the Book of Mormon translation with the Whitmer family’s support. This revelation is very personal in nature, as the Lord addresses thoughts and desires only John and the Lord knew. John Whitmer later became one of the Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.
Timeframe & Setting
Date: June 1829
Location: Fayette, New York
Occasion: John Whitmer, having observed the translation work, desired specific guidance on his personal duty in the Restoration, similar to David (D&C 14) and Peter (D&C 16).
Key Circumstances
John Whitmer’s willingness to assist Joseph Smith during the Book of Mormon translation.
A private inquiry through the Urim and Thummim, like the revelations given to David (D&C 14) and Peter Whitmer Jr. (D&C 16).
John’s question centered around what would be “of the most worth” to him, spiritually and eternally.
Purpose of the Revelation
Acknowledge John’s desire to know God’s will for his life.
Reveal that the most valuable thing he can do is declare repentance and bring souls to Christ.
Affirm that the Lord knows each individual’s inner thoughts, reinforcing His personal concern and guidance.
Significance
Reiterates the consistent theme in D&C 14–16: the worth of souls in sharing the gospel.
Highlights the personal nature of revelation, noting that the Lord speaks to each person’s private hopes and questions.
Demonstrates how missionary work and helping others repent is the greatest contribution one can make, promising eternal rest and joy.
Main Topics and Themes from D&C 15
Major Topics & Themes | Resources & Links |
Verses 1–2 – God’s Power Over All the Earth Theme: Divine Authority, Personal Address Description: The Lord addresses John Whitmer by name, commanding him to hearken and listen. He declares His arm is over all the earth (v. 2), emphasizing His universal power and reach. Yet this infinite God is also deeply personal, speaking sharply and powerfully to John as an individual. This sets the tone for the following verses, where God reveals He knows John’s inner desires. Hebrew/Greek Insight: - Arm of the Lord (Hebrew “zĕrōaʿ YHWH” זְרוֹעַ יְהוָה): frequently symbolizes God’s mighty power in delivering and guiding His people (Isaiah 53:1). Reflection Questions: 1. Personal Guidance: What does it mean to you personally that the Lord calls you by name and invites you to “hearken”? How might this shape your daily prayer or scripture study? 2. God’s Omnipotence: Verses 1–2 remind us that the Lord’s “arm is over all the earth.” In what ways does recognizing God’s global power and influence give you confidence or direction in your individual life? 3. Listening vs. Hearing: How can you move from simply hearing the Lord’s words to truly hearkening, i.e., listening with intent to obey and follow through? | - D&C 14:2 (Similar counsel about God’s power over the earth) - Isaiah 40:10 (The Lord’s arm shall rule) |
Verses 3–4 – Personal Revelation: “No man knoweth save me and thee alone…” Theme: God’s Omniscience, Private Desires Description: The Lord reveals He will disclose something known only to Him and John (v. 3), demonstrating His omniscience and intimate awareness of John’s heart. The text then explains that John has previously asked “many times” what would be of the most worth (v. 4). This highlights the deeply personal nature of revelation through the Urim & Thummim—John’s unspoken or private questions are answered by the Lord. Hebrew/Greek Insight: - Know (Hebrew “yādaʿ” יָדַע): can imply deep personal intimacy or awareness, not just factual knowledge. Reflection Questions: 1. How does knowing God is fully aware of our personal desires or concerns affect your prayers? 2. When has the Lord answered a private question in a way that only you could recognize? | - Alma 26:35 (God knows all things) - D&C 6:16 (Oliver Cowdery’s private thoughts revealed by the Lord) |
Verses 5–6 – “The Thing of Most Worth” Theme: Preaching Repentance, Bringing Souls to Christ Description: The Lord blesses John for speaking His words (v. 5). He then answers John’s query: the greatest worth lies in declaring repentance (v. 6), helping souls come to Christ so they can rest together in the kingdom of God. Echoing D&C 18:10–16, it underscores that saving souls is paramount. Here we see the Lord’s missionary emphasis—by aiding the salvation of others, we also ensure our own spiritual rest and joy. Hebrew/Greek Insight: - Repent
-Worth:
Reflection Questions: 1. Why do you think the work of saving souls is described as “of most worth”? 2. How might sharing the gospel (in any capacity) also deepen our own conversion and future “rest”? 3. Considering that teshuvah (Hebrew, “to return or turn back”) and metanoeō (Greek, “to change one’s mind and heart”) both suggest ongoing transformation, how might viewing repentance as a continuous process of course correction—rather than a one-time event of correcting a mistake —encourage you to realign your life with God’s will each day? | - D&C 18:10–16 (Worth of souls, joy in bringing souls to Christ) - Luke 15:7 (Joy in heaven over one sinner who repents) |
D&C 16
Chapter Outline
Overview
Doctrine & Covenants 16 was received by Joseph Smith in June 1829 and addressed to Peter Whitmer Jr. Like David (D&C 14) and John Whitmer (D&C 15), Peter was deeply involved in supporting the translation of the Book of Mormon. This revelation closely mirrors the other Whitmer revelations in urging missionary service, promising that the greatest worth is found in bringing souls to Christ. Peter Whitmer Jr. would later become one of the Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.
Timeframe & Setting
Date: June 1829
Location: Fayette, New York
Occasion: Peter Whitmer Jr., like his brothers, sought revelation through Joseph Smith (via the Urim & Thummim) to learn his specific role and duty in the Restoration.
Key Circumstances
The Whitmer family provided a critical environment for Joseph Smith to complete the Book of Mormon translation.
Peter Whitmer Jr. was curious about “that which would be of the most worth” to him, similar to John Whitmer’s question (D&C 15).
These short revelations (D&C 14–16) each emphasize personal responsibility in the Lord’s work of declaring repentance and gathering souls.
Purpose of the Revelation
Acknowledge Peter Whitmer Jr.’s desire to know God’s will for his life.
Explain the supreme worth of sharing the gospel—“to bring souls unto me.”
Encourage him to act on the private promptings he had, confirming the Lord’s knowledge of his heart.
Significance
Reinforces a pattern across D&C 14–16 that each disciple (David, John, Peter) is called to missionary efforts.
Highlights that no man knows Peter’s private desires except God, confirming the Lord’s personal care and omniscience.
Points to the eternal perspective: the greatest worth is in helping others come unto Christ, leading to mutual rest in God’s kingdom.
Main Topics and Themes from D&C 16
Major Topics & Themes | Resources & Links |
Verses 1–2 – “Hearken, My Servant Peter” Theme: Divine Authority, God’s Arm Over the Earth Description: The Lord directly addresses Peter Whitmer Jr., calling him by name and stressing the power of His word (v. 2). He reminds Peter that His “arm is over all the earth,” signifying universal authority. Yet the counsel is personal and intimate—God sees Peter individually. This parallels D&C 15:1–2 (directed to John Whitmer) and D&C 14:2 (David Whitmer), illustrating the Lord’s pattern of repeating key motifs to each brother. Reflection Questions: 1. How does acknowledging “God’s arm is over all the earth” inspire confidence in your personal callings or assignments? 2. Why might the Lord address Peter by name rather than giving more general counsel? | - D&C 14:2 (David Whitmer also told to heed the Lord’s powerful word) - Isaiah 40:10 (God’s arm shall rule) |
Verses 3–4 – Private Desires Known by God Theme: Personal Revelation, God’s Intimate Knowledge Description: The Lord reveals that Peter has often desired to know what would be “of the most worth” (v. 4). As with John Whitmer (D&C 15:3–4), the Lord shows He alone can see the private prayers or thoughts of His servants. This reaffirms the intimate nature of revelation, where individuals’ secret yearnings are answered. Hebrew/Greek Insight: - Desire (Hebrew “ḥēp̱eṣ” חֵפֶץ): implying a yearning or delight that motivates action. Reflection Questions: 1. Why do you think the Lord takes time to mention Peter’s private desires? How does that shape your understanding of personal revelation? 2. In what ways has God responded to your innermost questions or concerns, sometimes unknown to anyone else? | - D&C 15:3–4 (Parallel counsel to John Whitmer) - Matthew 6:6 (Your Father sees in secret) |
Verses 5–6 – “The Thing of Most Worth”: Declaring Repentance Theme: Missionary Work, Eternal Perspective Description: Echoing the revelations to David (D&C 14:6) and John Whitmer (D&C 15:6), the Lord states that bringing souls unto Christ through repentance is “the thing which will be of the most worth.” By aiding others’ eternal salvation, Peter also secures his own spiritual rest. This personal calling reaffirms the universal truth: nothing surpasses the value of helping souls turn to God. Hebrew/Greek Insight: - Worth (Greek “axia” ἀξία or “axios” ἄξιος): connotes “something of suitable value or measure,” signifying what truly merits our efforts. Reflection Questions: 1. How does viewing missionary work or sharing the gospel as “most worth” shape your perspective on daily life? 2. In what ways can you “declare repentance” in everyday settings—beyond formal missions—and still bring souls closer to the Lord? 3. Reflect on how “eternal perspective” can influence mundane decisions. If bringing souls unto Christ is truly “of the most worth,” how might that impact your time, talents, and daily priorities? | - D&C 14:6 and D&C 15:6 (Parallel phrasing about missionary labor) - D&C 18:10–16 (Worth of souls, joy in bringing them to Christ) |
D&C 17
Chapter Outline
Overview
Doctrine & Covenants 17 was received in June 1829, just before Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris viewed the Book of Mormon plates (and other sacred items) as part of their calling to be the Three Witnesses. Prompted by references within the Book of Mormon (Ether 5:2–4; 2 Nephi 11:3; 27:12), these men expressed a divinely inspired desire to serve as witnesses. Joseph Smith inquired of the Lord through the Urim & Thummim, and this revelation assured them they could view the plates by faith, and thereafter testify to the world of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.
Timeframe & Setting
Date: June 1829
Location: Fayette, New York
Occasion: Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris sought a divine witness, referencing Book of Mormon prophecies about three special witnesses. The revelation confirmed that through faith, they would behold the plates and other sacred objects.
Key Circumstances
Translation Near Completion: Joseph Smith was concluding the Book of Mormon translation at the Whitmer home.
Desire to See the Plates: Having learned from the text that three individuals would witness the plates, Oliver, David, and Martin prayed for the privilege.
Importance for the Restoration: Their testimony would bolster Joseph Smith’s work and serve as an independent, divine confirmation of the Book of Mormon’s authenticity.
Purpose of the Revelation
Assure the Three Witnesses that by faith they would see the plates and other sacred objects (breastplate, sword of Laban, etc.).
Commission them to testify of these things publicly, confirming the Book of Mormon’s truth.
Protect Joseph Smith’s calling and work by giving additional witnesses, fulfilling God’s “righteous purposes unto the children of men” (v. 9).
Significance
Establishes the Three Witnesses as divinely called to uphold Joseph Smith’s translation of the Book of Mormon.
Underscores faith as the key to gaining spiritual manifestations—“by your faith… you shall obtain a view of them” (v. 2).
Highlights the interconnectedness of Joseph’s mission and these witnesses, ensuring that the Restoration’s foundation rests on multiple testimonies (see also D&C 5:11–14).
Main Topics and Themes from D&C 17
Major Topics & Themes | Resources & Links |
Verses 1–2 – Viewing the Plates Through Faith Theme: Sacred Artifacts, Power of Belief Description: The Lord tells Oliver, David, and Martin that if they rely on His word “with full purpose of heart,” they shall see the Book of Mormon plates, the breastplate, the sword of Laban, the Urim & Thummim, and the directors given to Lehi (v. 1). Emphasis is placed on faith (v. 2)—mirroring the faith of ancient prophets—to make this divine manifestation possible. Hebrew/Greek Insight: - Faith (Hebrew “emunah” אֱמוּנָה / Greek “pistis” πίστις): connotes both trust and fidelity—a commitment that precedes evidence, which then yields divine manifestations. Reflection Questions: 1. Why do you think the Lord makes faith the main condition to seeing these sacred objects? 2. How have you experienced “evidence following faith” rather than the other way around? 3. What might these ancient relics (sword of Laban, Liahona) symbolize about God’s continuous guidance? |
- Ether 5:2–4 (Three witnesses prophesied) - 2 Nephi 27:12–13 (Prophesies of multiple witnesses to the plates) |
Verses 5–6 – Witnessing the Plates and Testifying Theme: Testimony, Book of Mormon’s Divinity Description: The Lord instructs the Witnesses that once they see the plates by faith, they are to testify “by the power of God” (v. 3). Verse 5 reiterates that Joseph’s previous experience seeing the plates also came by God’s power; the same pattern applies to them. Verse 6 underscores the Book of Mormon’s truth: “as your Lord and your God liveth it is true.” This language cements the Book of Mormon’s divine authenticity, placing the obligation on them to share that knowledge with the world. When Doctrine & Covenants 17:5–6 speaks of the Witnesses having “seen” the plates “by the power of God,” it mirrors the biblical senses of רָאָה (ra’ah) “To see,” “to look upon,” “to perceive,” denoting literal physical seeing (Genesis 1:4, “God saw the light”) or spiritual insight/vision (e.g., Psalms 34:8, “taste and see that the Lord is good”). In prophetic contexts, ra’ah implies an ability to discern or “behold” divine truth. Likewise the Greek, ὁράω (horaō), often translated “to see,” “to behold,” or “to experience,” can signify both physical sight (Matthew 2:2) and a deeper perception or recognition (John 6:36). The word βλέπω (blepō) more directly means “to look,” “to observe.” Sometimes blepo is used in the New Testament for noticing or paying attention (Matthew 5:28). Thus these word denote:
Hence, the “power of sight” in these verses is both a tangible viewing of sacred objects and a spiritual perception that confirms their authenticity, grounding the Witnesses’ testimonies in real and revelatory experience. Reflection Questions: 1. Why is it significant that the same faith Joseph used is now extended to Oliver, David, and Martin? 2. In your own life, how can knowing the Book of Mormon is “true” guide your actions or strengthen your witness to others? 3. Understanding that a “seer” (רוֹאֶה, חֹזֶה in Hebrew and often rendered as prophetes προφήτης in Greek) literally means “one who sees” or “visionary,” how might recognizing the Lord’s desire to reveal hidden truths through His chosen seers inspire you to seek deeper spiritual insight in your personal life? |
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Verses 7–9 – Shared Power and Protection Theme: Equal Gifts, Divine Purpose Fulfilled Description: These concluding verses declare that the Three Witnesses have received “the same power, and the same faith, and the same gift” as Joseph (v. 7). In fulfilling this commandment, they are promised that “the gates of hell shall not prevail against [them]” (v. 8). Finally, Christ Himself speaks in verse 9, reaffirming He is orchestrating these events to bring about His “righteous purposes.” This highlights heavenly protection for those who step forward with faith to testify—the Lord’s “grace is sufficient” for them, a phrase reminiscent of Moroni’s promise in Ether 12:27. Hebrew/Greek Insights 1. “Gates of Hell”
Cross-Reference:
2. “My Grace Is Sufficient”
Cross-Reference:
3. “Lifted Up at the Last Day”
Cross-Reference:
Example of the Charaz Literary Form (String of Pearls) In D&C 17:8, these three power-packed phrases appear in quick succession:
This Charaz (Hebrew for “string”) effect means each short, significant statement stands on its own but, when placed together, forms a concentrated chain of powerful promises:
Much like linked “pearls”, these three lines of scripture highlight a progression of salvation: the Lord protects us, empowers us through grace, and ultimately exalts us at the last day. When read one after another, they reinforce each other’s impact—a hallmark of the Charaz literary device often seen in ancient and modern holy writ. Reflection Questions: 1. How might “the gates of hell shall not prevail against you” apply to modern believers seeking to uphold truth? 2. What does it mean to receive “the same gift” as Joseph, and how can we develop a similar faith in our own callings? |
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