Doctrine and Covenants 52 — Study Guide
Date & Location
Date: June 6, 1831
Location: Kirtland, Ohio
Setting: Given at the conclusion of a multi-day Church conference (June 3–6), where:
The first ordinations to the office of high priest were performed.
Saints experienced spiritual phenomena—some authentic, others false and deceiving spirits, which led to this clarifying revelation.
Historical Background
This conference marked a new phase of Church growth and governance.
The revelation provides:
Direction for missionary travel to Missouri
Instructions on how to discern true spiritual manifestations
Organization of companionships for preaching two-by-two
Missouri is officially revealed as the place of the next conference, and ultimately the location for Zion.
Sources:
Purpose of the Revelation
To designate Missouri as the new gathering place for Zion.
To send missionary companionships to preach the gospel while traveling.
To correct confusion arising from false spirits and spiritual excess.
To give the Saints a pattern for discerning truth and organizing themselves by divine law.
Timeframe & Context
Occurs just after major baptisms and the formal establishment of Church leadership roles in Ohio.
Precedes the Saints’ migration to Jackson County, which would occur later that summer (July 1831).
Reveals growing tension between spiritual manifestations and doctrinal boundaries.
Significance
Notable use of the phrase “pattern in all things” (verse 14), establishing a model for spiritual discernment, compare to the pattern that Jesus showed Moses on Sinai, Exodus 25:9, Hebrews 8:5. This pattern is significant as this is the location where the Lord instructs the Saints to build a Temple.
Introduces the principle of traveling two by two—a missionary standard that continues in the Church today.
Gives us insight into early Church leadership structure and accountability.
Issues a warning about Satan’s power to deceive—even in spiritual settings.
Highlights Zion as both a physical location and a spiritual ideal—calling the Saints to holiness as they prepare for their inheritance.
Verses | Main Theme | Summary |
1–2 | Missouri Chosen for Next Conference | The Lord instructs the elders to hold their next general conference in Missouri, a land consecrated for the remnant of Jacob and heirs of the covenant. |
3–8 | First Missionary Companions Called | Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and others are called to travel in pairs to Missouri. Their success depends on faithfulness; unfaithful servants will be cut off.
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9–11 | Preach by the Spirit and Scripture | Missionaries are to preach only what the apostles and prophets have written and what the Holy Ghost reveals through prayer and faith. |
12–13 | Lyman Wight Warned | Satan seeks to sift him like chaff, but the faithful shall be entrusted with more. |
14–21 | Pattern for Discerning True Spirits | The Lord gives a test: those who speak with contrite spirits, edify others, and obey ordinances are of God; others are not. This pattern protects against deception. |
22–33 | Extensive Missionary Companionships Assigned | More than 30 elders are called to go “two by two” toward Missouri, with instructions not to overlap or build on another’s foundation. “let all these take their journey unto one place, in their several courses (מְסִלָּה mᵉçillâh) , and one man shall not build upon another’s foundation, neither journey in another’s track.” How might recognizing and honoring our מְסִלָּה (mᵉṣillâh)—our God-given course—help us better understand our personal mission, avoid comparison, and more fully trust the journey the Lord has set for us? |
34–36 | Eastern Missionaries and Prophetic Fulfillment | Additional missionaries are sent eastward to labor with their families and preach the testimony of the prophets. |
37–38 | Priesthood Reassignments | Due to transgression, Heman (Herman) A. Bassett’s appointment is revoked; Simonds Ryder and others are called and ordained instead. |
39–40 | Watch Over the Churches and Care for the Needy | Elders not journeying to Missouri are to remain and labor with their hands, guarding against wickedness and remembering the poor and afflicted. |
41 | Travel Recommends | Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Edward Partridge, and Oliver Cowdery are instructed to carry letters of recommendation. (Greek: συστατικῶν systatikōn; 2 Corinthians 3:1–2, Acts 18:27, Romans 16:1–2) |
42–44 | If Faithful, Zion Will Come | The Lord promises joy and exaltation to the faithful and reaffirms that Zion (Missouri) will come in its appointed time despite being in the hands of enemies. |