D&C 118

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 118

Received July 8, 1838, at Far West, Missouri, in answer to the inquiry: 'Show us thy will, O Lord, concerning the Twelve.' Vacancies in the Quorum are to be filled, and the Twelve are commanded to depart for a mission to England from the Far West temple lot on April 26, 1839.

Scripture

Filling Vacancies in the Twelve

Study note

Specific individuals are named to fill vacancies in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, including John Taylor, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, and Willard Richards.

1 Verily, thus saith the Lord: Let a conference be held immediately; let the Twelve be organized; and let men be appointed to supply the place of those who are fallen.

2 Let my servant Thomas remain for a season in the land of Zion, to publish my word.

3 Let the residue continue to preach from that hour, and if they will do this in all lowliness of heart, in meekness and humility, and long-suffering, I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for their families; and an effectual door shall be opened for them, from henceforth.

Mission Departure from the Temple Lot

Study note

The Twelve are to depart over the great waters from the Far West temple lot on April 26, 1839, for a mission to England. They are told to trust in the Lord and not worry about their families.

4 And next spring let them depart to go over the great waters, and there promulgate my gospel, the fulness thereof, and bear record of my name.

5 Let them take leave of my saints in the city of Far West, on the twenty-sixth day of April next, on the building-spot of my house, saith the Lord.

6 Let my servant John Taylor, and also my servant John E. Page, and also my servant Wilford Woodruff, and also my servant Willard Richards, be appointed to fill the places of those who have fallen, and be officially notified of their appointment.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 118

Filling apostolic vacancies by revelationObedience despite dangerous circumstancesMission to England as a turning pointTrust in the Lord for family care

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 118 4-5 Matthew 28:19-20

The mission charge to go over the great waters to preach echoes the Great Commission to go and teach all nations.

D&C 118 3 Acts 1:24-26

The filling of apostolic vacancies by revelation parallels the early Church choosing Matthias to replace Judas as one of the Twelve.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 118

This revelation is remarkable because the Saints were driven from Far West by mob violence, making a return to the temple lot seemingly impossible. Yet on April 26, 1839, the apostles quietly gathered at the site in the dead of night to fulfill the revelation exactly. Their obedience in impossible circumstances teaches that God's commands are not nullified by human opposition. When we trust and obey, God honors faithfulness even when circumstances seem to make obedience impossible.

Go Deeper

Study the Doctrine and Covenants in Covenant Path

Read every section with study aids and daily reading plans — free in the app.

Download for iOS Download for Android