Analysis of Events and Revelations (May 1829)

The month of May 1829 was a pivotal period in the Restoration of the Gospel, particularly because of the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood. This time also saw additional revelations directed to individuals preparing to assist in the work. These events further laid the foundation for the eventual organization of the Church and the restoration of the higher priesthood.

1. Doctrine and Covenants 11 – Hyrum Smith’s Call to Prepare

This revelation was given to Hyrum Smith, Joseph's older brother. Hyrum had a strong desire to assist in the work but had not yet been directly involved in the translation. The revelation contained key instructions:

• “Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word” (D&C 11:21).
• Hyrum was eager to preach, but the Lord emphasized that preparation must precede teaching.
• The Spirit leads those who are humble and prepared (D&C 11:12–14).
• The field is already ready for harvest (D&C 11:3), indicating the urgency of the work.

This revelation reinforced a principle of spiritual preparation—Hyrum was told to first study the gospel deeply before taking on a public role in spreading it.

2. Doctrine and Covenants 12 – Revelation to Joseph Knight Sr.

Joseph Knight Sr. was an early supporter of Joseph Smith’s work. Though not yet a baptized member, he had provided material support (such as food, paper, and financial aid) to assist in the translation of the Book of Mormon.

This revelation mirrored Doctrine and Covenants 4, emphasizing that:

• Those who desire to assist in God’s work are called to do so.
• The key qualifications for service are humility, love, faith, and diligence.

This revelation reassured Joseph Knight Sr. that his contributions were meaningful, and it foreshadowed his later full participation in the Church.

3. The Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood (May 15, 1829)

This was arguably the most significant event of May 1829 and one of the most critical moments in the Restoration of the Gospel.

Context: Why Was the Aaronic Priesthood Needed?

• As Joseph and Oliver translated the Book of Mormon, they learned about baptism and priesthood authority.
• They inquired of the Lord and prayed for guidance.
• John the Baptist appeared as a resurrected being and conferred the Aaronic Priesthood upon them.

Key Aspects of the Event (D&C 13):

John the Baptist:

1. Conferred the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph and Oliver.
2. Declared that it held the keys of ministering of angels, the gospel of repentance, and baptism by immersion.
3. Commanded them to baptize each other.

Significance of the Aaronic Priesthood Restoration:

• Proper authority was restored—Joseph and Oliver could now baptize others under divine authorization.
• It demonstrated a pattern—heavenly messengers would restore lost authority step by step.
• It prepared the way for the restoration of the higher (Melchizedek) Priesthood, which would come soon after.

The Immediate Impact:

After receiving the priesthood, Joseph and Oliver:

• Baptized each other in the nearby Susquehanna River.
• Felt a powerful outpouring of the Spirit, confirming the reality of what had just taken place.
• Recognized that more priesthood authority was yet to come.

This restoration was a direct fulfillment of prophecy and marked the beginning of proper ordinances being performed again on the earth.

Conclusion: Key Themes of May 1829

1. Personal Preparation for the Work
• Hyrum Smith was called to study and prepare before preaching (D&C 11).
• Joseph Knight Sr. was encouraged to assist in the work (D&C 12).
2. The Importance of Authority
• The restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood ensured that baptisms could be performed with divine power (D&C 13).
3. The Role of Heavenly Messengers
• John the Baptist, a resurrected being, appeared physically to restore priesthood authority, setting the pattern for future angelic visitations.
4. Baptism by Proper Authority
• Joseph and Oliver were baptized properly for the first time.

Looking Ahead

The events of May 1829 set the stage for:

• The restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood (soon after).
• The organization of the Church (1830).
• The first official baptisms of converts.

May 1829 was a turning point that transformed Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery from translators of the Book of Mormon into divinely authorized ministers of the restored gospel.