Fellow Servants: The Humility of Authority in D&C 12-17

In the grand narrative of the Restoration, we often fixate on the thunderous moments: the First Vision, the translation of the Plates, the rededication of the Temple. Yet, it is frequently in the quiet, unassuming corners of history that the Lord establishes the foundations of His kingdom. Consider Harmony, Pennsylvania. To the casual observer, it was a humble, wooded settlement with no particular claim to fame. And yet, on May 15, 1829, it became the ground zero for the restoration of priesthood authority.

In this week’s Come & Follow Me reading (Doctrine and Covenants 12–17 and Joseph Smith History 1:66–75), we encounter a moment that should strike us with both awe and humility. John the Baptist, a trusted servant of God who prepared the way for the Savior, appears to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. He does not address them as 'prophets' or 'apostles.' He calls them "my fellow servants" (D&C 13:1).

This title is not merely polite; it is doctrinally significant. It establishes that service in the Lord’s work is defined not by visibility, but by faithfulness. As noted in a recent discussion on the Saints in the South podcast, this moment reminds us that even when our contributions seem small or unseen, we are integral to the great and marvelous work (D&C 14:1). We are not above serving; we are called to it.

The Mystery of Keys in the Aaronic Priesthood Restoration

As Latter-day Saints, we are accustomed to precise language regarding priesthood authority. When we speak of ordinations today, we are careful to distinguish between ordaining someone to an office and bestowing specific keys. Keys represent the right to direct the labors of others in a particular jurisdiction or ordinance.

However, when John the Baptist laid his hands upon Joseph and Oliver, the text does not explicitly mention the conferral of 'keys' in the modern administrative sense. This has led scholars and members alike to ask: Did the Aaronic Priesthood restoration include keys? The podcast episode you are listening to delves into this nuance, highlighting that while ordinations today involve bestowing 'all rights, powers, and privileges,' the historical context of 1829 requires us to look deeper.

It is easy to project our current liturgical precision backward onto the Restoration. But we must remember that the restoration was a progressive unfolding. The Lord often reveals line upon line, precept upon precept (D&C 98:12). The authority to baptize for the remission of sins carries with it the divine mandate to initiate the covenant path, even if the administrative keys for broader church governance were revealed later through Joseph Smith.

Revelation as a Living Process

One of the most comforting truths in D&C 12–17 is that the Church is continually receiving revelation as we are ready to receive it. President Nelson has taught us that we have not yet received everything, and that more is coming. This is not a sign of instability, but of an open canon.

When Joseph and Oliver were overwhelmed by the magnitude of their calling, they did not rely on their own stature. They relied on the Spirit. The Aaronic Priesthood was restored to prepare the way for the Melchizedek Priesthood, which would come later with Moroni. This sequence teaches us that preparation is a sacred necessity. We cannot hold the higher powers without first being forged in the fires of service and obedience.

Key Takeaways for the Disciple

• Embrace Humility: Being called a 'fellow servant' strips away pride. No matter our calling, we are all servants first.
• Value the Aaronic Order: The keys of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel are not 'lesser'; they are foundational.
• Expect More Revelation: Trust that the Lord is still speaking. As we study scripture and heed the prophets and apostles, our capacity to receive increases.

Let us not be surprised if the Lord chooses humble places—whether in Harmony, PA, or in our own local wards—to do His most significant work. The question is not whether you are important to God; the question is whether you are willing to serve as a fellow servant in His great and marvelous work.

Go deeper into this week’s study by comparing D&C 13 with Matthew 3:13–17. Reflect on how John the Baptist’s submission to Christ mirrors our submission to the restored priesthood. Submit your reflections to the community thread.