D&C 80

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 80

Received in March 1832, in Hiram, Ohio. Stephen Burnett and Eden Smith were called as missionary companions. They were given unusual latitude—the Lord told them to go wherever they desired, and it would be given them by the Comforter where to preach.

Scripture

Called to Preach Wherever They Choose

Study note

Stephen Burnett and Eden Smith are called to travel together. They are given freedom to choose their destination, with the assurance that the Spirit will direct them. The Lord promises their sins are forgiven.

1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Stephen Burnett: Go ye, go ye into the world and preach the gospel to every creature that cometh under the sound of your voice.

2 And inasmuch as you desire a companion, I will give unto you my servant Eden Smith.

3 Wherefore, go ye and preach my gospel, whether to the north or to the south, to the east or to the west, it mattereth not, for ye cannot go amiss.

4 Therefore, declare the things which ye have heard, and verily believe, and know to be true.

5 Behold, this is the will of him who hath called you, your Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 80

Agency in fulfilling missionary callingsThe Spirit as guide in choosing where to serveForgiveness as preparation for serviceCompanion missionaries working together

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 80 1-3 Acts 16:6-10

The Spirit directing missionaries where to go parallels Paul's experience of being redirected by the Spirit from Asia to Macedonia, showing that God guides willing servants.

D&C 80 4-5 Acts 13:2-3

The Holy Ghost's role in calling and directing missionaries reflects the pattern in Antioch where the Spirit specifically set apart Barnabas and Saul for their mission.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 80

This revelation offers a striking picture of how God sometimes works: rather than dictating every detail, He forgives, commissions, and trusts His servants to exercise their agency guided by the Spirit. Not every calling comes with a detailed roadmap. Sometimes God says, 'Go where you feel led, and I will confirm your path.' This requires a mature relationship with the Spirit—learning to trust those quiet impressions. It also reminds us that God's forgiveness precedes our service. We do not need to be perfect to begin; we need to be willing.

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