Doctrine & Covenants 55 — Study Guide

Doctrine and Covenants 55 — Overview

Date & Setting

• Date: June 1831

• Location: Kirtland, Ohio

• Recipient: William W. Phelps

• This revelation was received shortly after Phelps's recent conversion and arrival in Kirtland. It marks the Lord’s personal calling to him, assigning him to powerful future roles in Zion.

Historical Background

William W. Phelps, a former newspaper editor and outspoken critic of injustice, had recently joined the Church. Though newly baptized, he was quickly recognized for his talents in publishing, teaching, and writing. In this revelation, the Lord calls him to preach, write for children, and help with Church printing—assignments that would soon become central to the Restoration's unfolding.

🔗 Related Resource:

William W. Phelps His Contributions to Understanding the Restoration

Purpose of the Revelation

• To commission William W. Phelps to preach the gospel and go to Missouri.

• To assign him to use his writing talents to benefit the Church, especially in creating materials for children.

• To prepare him to serve in Church printing and publishing efforts—roles that would become instrumental in the production of hymnals, Church periodicals, and the Book of Commandments.

Significance

• This section highlights the Lord’s pattern of recognizing and using each convert’s gifts and life experience.

• Phelps is told to strengthen children’s faith through writing, an unusual and profound commission that shows the early Church’s concern for teaching the rising generation.

• It previews the central role of print and publishing in building Zion—a legacy Phelps would help carry forward for years.

• The Lord calls Phelps “an elect man,” indicating both his potential and the accountability that would come with his role.