D&C 7

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 7

Received in April 1829 at Harmony, Pennsylvania. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery inquired through the Urim and Thummim about whether John the Beloved died or continued to live, revealing a translated parchment written by John himself.

Scripture

John's Desire to Tarry

Study note

The Lord reveals that John the Beloved desired to remain on earth to bring souls to Christ until the Second Coming, which was a greater wish than Peter's desire to come quickly into the Lord's kingdom.

1 And the Lord said unto me: John, my beloved, what desirest thou? For if you shall ask what you will, it shall be granted unto you.

2 And I said unto him: Lord, give unto me power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee.

3 And the Lord said unto me: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, because thou desirest this thou shalt tarry until I come in my glory, and shalt prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues and people.

4 And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter: If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? For he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me, but thou desiredst that thou mightest speedily come unto me in my kingdom.

John's Ministry as a Translated Being

Study note

John was made as a flaming fire and a ministering angel, serving among the people and prophesying before nations and peoples until Christ comes again.

5 I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire; but my beloved has desired that he might do more, or a greater work yet among men than what he has before done.

6 Yea, he has undertaken a greater work; therefore I will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel; he shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth.

7 And I will make thee to minister for him and for thy brother James; and unto you three I will give this power and the keys of this ministry until I come.

8 Verily I say unto you, ye shall both have according to your desires, for ye both joy in that which ye have desired.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 7

Translated beings and their ministryBringing souls to Christ as the greatest desireDifferent righteous desires are honored by GodContinued ministry beyond mortality

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 7 1-3 John 21:20-23

This revelation directly clarifies the mysterious passage where Jesus tells Peter about John, 'If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?'

D&C 7 6 Hebrews 1:7

John being made a flaming fire and ministering angel echoes the description in Hebrews of God making his angels ministering spirits and flames of fire.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 7

This revelation shows that God honors righteous desires even when they differ from person to person. Peter's wish to return quickly to the Lord and John's wish to continue serving were both righteous. We each have unique callings and desires, and God can work through all of them for his purposes.

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