RLDS Verse Context

Intro: SECTION 25 Revelation given through Joseph Smith at Harmony, Pennsylvania, in July 1830, to Joseph Smith, Jr., Oliver Cowdery, and John Whitmer. It is specifically important because of its affirmation of the principle of "common consent" in the government of the church.

1a Behold, I say unto you, that you shall let your time be devoted to the studying of the Scriptures, and to preaching, and to confirming the church at Colesville; and to performing your labors on the land, such as is required, until after you shall go to the west, to hold the next conference; and then it shall be made known what you shall do.

1b And all things shall be done by common consent in the church, by much prayer and faith; for all things you shall receive by faith. Amen.

Intro: SECTION 26 The first paragraph of this revelation was given to Joseph Smith, Jr., early in August 1830 at Harmony, Pennsylvania, and was written down at that time. It was given through the personal ministry of a "heavenly messenger" as Joseph was seeking wine for the Sacrament which he and his wife and John Whitmer (Joseph's secretary at the time) wished to share with Newel Knight and his wife. Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Knight had just been confirmed. The "Book of Commandments" gives the date of this revelation as September 4, 1830. This was probably when the later paragraphs of the revelation were received.

1a Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Lord, your God, and your Redeemer, whose word is quick and powerful.

1b For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory;

1c remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins;

1d wherefore a commandment I give unto you, that you shall not purchase wine, neither strong drink of your enemies; wherefore ye shall partake of none, except it is made new among you; yea, in this my Father's kingdom which shall be built up on the earth.

2a Behold, this is wisdom in me; wherefore marvel not, for the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book of Mormon, containing the fullness of my everlasting gospel;

2b to whom I have committed the keys of the record of the stick of Ephraim; and also with Elias, to whom I have committed the keys of bringing to pass the restoration of all things, or the restorer of all things spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began, concerning the last days;

2c and also John the son of Zacharias, which Zacharias he (Elias) visited and gave promise that he should have a son, and his name should be John, and he should be filled with the spirit of Elias;