In the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one of the most sacred and defining moments was when Joseph Smith received the priesthood. This event not only shaped the foundation of the Latter-day Saint faith but also restored what believers consider divine authority on earth. The story of Joseph Smith receiving the priesthood is deeply tied to early 19th-century American religious revivalism, visions, and revelations that led to the birth of a new Christian movement. Understanding how, when, and why Joseph Smith was given the priesthood offers valuable insight into the development of modern Latter-day Saint teachings and practices.
The Context of Priesthood Restoration
Before Joseph Smith received the priesthood, he had already experienced a number of profound spiritual events. In 1820, at the age of fourteen, he reported having a vision known as the First Vision, during which God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. This vision revealed that the true church of Christ was no longer on the earth and that Joseph had been chosen to play a role in its restoration.
Several years later, Joseph Smith claimed that an angel named Moroni visited him and directed him to the golden plates, which would later be translated into the Book of Mormon. After completing the translation, Joseph Smith and his close associate Oliver Cowdery began to ask questions about baptism and divine authority. Their prayers led to what Latter-day Saints believe was the restoration of the priesthood – a necessary step to organize the true Church of Christ again on earth.
The Visit of John the Baptist
The first phase of priesthood restoration occurred in May 1829. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were translating the Book of Mormon near Harmony, Pennsylvania, when they read passages about baptism and authority. Feeling a need for divine instruction, they prayed to know how they could properly baptize each other. According to Joseph Smith’s history, their prayer was answered by the appearance of John the Baptist, the same figure who baptized Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
The Aaronic Priesthood
John the Baptist, described as a heavenly messenger, conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood. This priesthood gave them the authority to perform baptisms for the remission of sins. Joseph Smith wrote that John the Baptist placed his hands upon their heads and said
Upon you, my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins.
This moment was monumental because it symbolized the beginning of the restoration of divine authority to earth. Following this, Joseph Smith baptized Oliver Cowdery, and then Oliver baptized Joseph. Both men reported feeling the Spirit of God strongly during and after the baptism.
The Melchizedek Priesthood
Shortly after receiving the Aaronic Priesthood, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received another sacred ordination – the Melchizedek Priesthood. This higher priesthood, according to Latter-day Saint belief, gives authority to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost and to lead the Church in spiritual matters. While the exact date of this event is not recorded, it took place between May and June 1829.
The Visit of Peter, James, and John
Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery later testified that the apostles Peter, James, and John – who were among Jesus Christ’s original disciples – appeared to them as resurrected beings. These apostles laid their hands on Joseph and Oliver and conferred upon them the Melchizedek Priesthood. Through this ordination, they were given authority to organize the Church of Christ and to ordain others to the priesthood as the church expanded.
The restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood is considered by Latter-day Saints to be one of the most sacred and powerful moments in human history. It symbolized the full restoration of Christ’s authority, enabling the church to perform all necessary ordinances of salvation, including confirmation, blessings, and leadership ordinations.
The Significance of the Priesthood in Latter-day Saint Doctrine
The restoration of the priesthood to Joseph Smith established a cornerstone of Latter-day Saint theology. In the church’s teachings, the priesthood is not merely symbolic; it is the actual power and authority of God delegated to humans to act in His name. Without it, Latter-day Saints believe that saving ordinances such as baptism and confirmation would lack divine validity.
Types of Priesthood Authority
The Church recognizes two main divisions of priesthood authority
- The Aaronic PriesthoodOften referred to as the lesser priesthood, it holds the authority to administer outward ordinances such as baptism and the sacrament.
- The Melchizedek PriesthoodKnown as the higher priesthood, it includes spiritual authority to lead, bless, and perform ordinances such as the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Through these two priesthoods, church members believe the power of God operates on earth today, guiding leaders and blessing the faithful through ordinances and covenants.
Spiritual Impact on the Early Church
When Joseph Smith received the priesthood, it transformed the small group of believers around him into an organized religious community. Within a year of the priesthood restoration, the Church of Christ was formally established on April 6, 1830. Joseph Smith served as its first prophet and leader, ordained by the authority of the priesthood he had received. The early church members regarded this authority as a divine confirmation that they were part of the restored gospel.
The priesthood also played a central role in missionary work, spiritual healing, and the creation of sacred temples. Early converts were taught that through the priesthood, they could receive blessings from God and participate in holy ordinances essential for eternal life. This sense of divine connection strengthened the unity and purpose of the early Latter-day Saint community.
Modern Understanding and Continuation
Today, Latter-day Saints around the world continue to trace their priesthood authority back to Joseph Smith’s original ordination by heavenly messengers. The church maintains that all priesthood authority comes through an unbroken line of ordinations beginning with Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Every bishop, elder, and missionary holds priesthood authority that is considered valid because of this sacred chain.
In the modern church, young men typically receive the Aaronic Priesthood around the age of twelve, while adult men who meet certain spiritual standards may receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. Both priesthoods are viewed as sacred responsibilities that require faith, humility, and service.
Spiritual Lessons from Joseph Smith’s Experience
The story of Joseph Smith receiving the priesthood teaches several important lessons about faith, revelation, and obedience. It highlights the belief that God continues to communicate with His children and that divine authority can be restored through chosen messengers. It also emphasizes the importance of humility – Joseph and Oliver prayed sincerely for guidance and were rewarded with revelation that shaped the course of their lives and the faith of millions.
This narrative reminds believers that spiritual power comes not from human ambition, but from divine calling. The restoration of the priesthood is, for Latter-day Saints, a symbol of God’s ongoing involvement in human history and His desire to bless all who seek truth and righteousness.
Joseph Smith receiving the priesthood remains one of the most significant events in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It marked the return of divine authority to the earth and laid the foundation for the restoration of the gospel in its fullness. From the visit of John the Baptist to the ordination by Peter, James, and John, these sacred experiences continue to inspire faith, service, and devotion among millions of believers. Through the priesthood, the legacy of Joseph Smith’s revelation endures, empowering individuals and communities to act in God’s name and fulfill His work in the modern world.