Doctrine and Covenants 7: A Hidden Record of John the Revelator

Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Student Study Guide, (2005), 21

John the Revelator
During April 1829 the Prophet Joseph Smith continued translating the Book of Mormon plates with Oliver Cowdery acting as his scribe. The Prophet described the circumstances prompting this revelation: “A difference of opinion arising between us about the account of John the Apostle, mentioned in the New Testament [John 21:20–23], as to whether he died or continued to live, we mutually agreed to settle it by the Urim and Thummim” (History of the Church,1:35–36).As you readDoctrine and Covenants 7, look for what the Apostles John and Peter desired most. What did John desire to do that was greater than what he had done before? If the Savior asked you what you desired most, what would you tell Him?

Understanding the Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 7

Parchment(section heading)Sheep or goat skin prepared for writing on 
Tarry(vv. 3–4)Remain, stay behind 
Minister for(vv. 6–7)Serve, help 
Keys(v. 7)Authority 

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you studyDoctrine and Covenants 7.

Activity A iconAnswer in One Sentence

The section heading toDoctrine and Covenants 7tells what Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery asked the Lord ( also this study guide’s introduction toD&C 7). From your reading of section 7, write a one-sentence answer to each of the following questions:

  1. 1.

    What was the difference between what John wanted and what Peter wanted?

  2. 2.

    What do you learn from this section about the importance of sharing the gospel?

  3. 3.

    What do you learn about righteous desires?