D&C 31

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 31

Received in September 1830 at Fayette, New York, for Thomas B. Marsh, who had searched for the true church and traveled from Massachusetts to find the restored Church. He later became the first president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Scripture

Thomas Blessed and Called

Study note

Thomas is told he is blessed for his faith and his family will be blessed. He is called to preach the gospel and not be afraid.

1 Thomas, my son, blessed are you because of your faith in my work.

2 Behold, you have had many afflictions because of your family; nevertheless, I will bless you and your family, yea, your little ones; and the day cometh that they will believe and know the truth and be one with you in my church.

3 Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation.

4 You shall declare the things which have been revealed to my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun. You shall begin to preach from this time forth, yea, to reap in the field which is white already to be burned.

5 Therefore, thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back, for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Wherefore, your family shall live.

Counsel for Missionary Service

Study note

Thomas is to govern his house in meekness, be patient in afflictions, and revile not against those who revile. He is promised the Holy Ghost will help him.

6 Behold, verily I say unto you, go from them only for a little time, and declare my word, and I will prepare a place for them.

7 Yea, I will open the hearts of the people, and they will receive you. And I will establish a church by your hand;

8 And you shall strengthen them and prepare them against the time when they shall be gathered.

9 Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast.

10 Behold, I say unto you that you shall be a physician unto the church, but not unto the world, for they will not receive you.

11 Go your way whithersoever I will, and it shall be given you by the Comforter what you shall do and whither you shall go.

12 Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward.

13 Be faithful unto the end, and lo, I am with you. These words are not of man nor of men, but of me, even Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, by the will of the Father. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 31

God rewards the diligent seekerGoverning the home in meeknessPatience in afflictionMissionary calling and preparation

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 31 9 Romans 12:14

The instruction to revile not against those who revile echoes Paul's counsel to bless those who persecute you and do not curse them.

D&C 31 12 Matthew 10:19-20

The promise that thoughts will be given in the very moment connects to Jesus' assurance that the Spirit would give disciples words when brought before authorities.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 31

Thomas B. Marsh's journey to find truth demonstrates that God rewards sincere seeking. The counsel to govern his house in meekness and patience applies to every family. Homes are meant to be places of peace, and spiritual leadership is best exercised through love, patience, and gentle persuasion rather than authority.

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