Doctrine and Covenants 53 — Overview
Date & Setting
Date: June 6, 1831
Location: Kirtland, Ohio
Recipient: Algernon Sidney Gilbert
This revelation was received the same day as D&C 52, during the close of the June 1831 conference. Gilbert, recently baptized and called to serve, desired to know the Lord’s will for him personally.
Historical Background
Sidney Gilbert (full name Algernon Sidney Gilbert) was a successful merchant and recent convert to the Church. He had partnered in business with Newel K. Whitney and was deeply committed to the gospel. During the June 1831 conference, he sought direction for his life and service in the Church. This brief but specific revelation outlines his personal calling, marking a shift from generic group instruction to individual covenant responsibility.
🔗 Related resource: Revelations in Context – “A Bishop unto the Church”
Purpose of the Revelation
To respond to Sidney Gilbert’s request for personal direction from the Lord.
To call Gilbert to preach, assist the bishop (Edward Partridge), and prepare for the Church’s move to Missouri.
To emphasize that conversion is the beginning, and that faithfulness must be demonstrated through covenant-based labor.
Timeframe & Context
Comes immediately after Gilbert’s baptism and the close of the historic June 1831 conference.
The Saints had just received instruction to prepare for Missouri as the gathering place of Zion (D&C 52).
This marks an early example of personalized revelation tied to individual spiritual stewardship.
Significance
Demonstrates that new converts were not simply observers—they were invited into full covenant service and responsibility.
Sidney Gilbert is told that his past sins are forgiven—but now his focus must be on building Zion through labor and sacrifice.
Affirms the importance of temporal callings in the unfolding work of the Restoration. Gilbert’s future role as a Church agent and bishop’s assistant shows that business and consecration were inseparable in early Zion-building efforts.
Introduces the idea that each soul matters, and that God will speak personally to those who sincerely ask.
Verses | Main Theme | Summary |
1 | Call to Discipleship | The Lord speaks directly to Sidney Gilbert, acknowledging his baptism and formally calling him into His service. |
2–3 | Ordination and Preaching | Gilbert is commanded to be ordained an elder and to preach the gospel, entering into the same labor as other elders. |
4–5 | Stewardship in Zion | He is called to assist the bishop in managing the temporal affairs of the Church, particularly in Missouri, the land of Zion. |
6 | Accountability and Obedience | The Lord reminds him that his sins are forgiven, but from this point forward he must be strict in observing his covenants. |