Doctrine & Covenants 57 — Section Outline
Date & Setting
Date: July 20, 1831
Location: Independence, Jackson County, Missouri
This revelation was received during Joseph Smith’s first visit to Missouri, following the instructions given in D&C 52 and 54 to gather in the land of Zion. Joseph inquired of the Lord regarding where Zion would be established, and the Lord responded with unmistakable clarity.
Historical Background
After a long and difficult journey from Kirtland to Missouri, Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and others arrived in Jackson County, then a rugged frontier area. Despite its humble and undeveloped state, the Lord declared that this land—specifically Independence, Missouri—was the location for the city of Zion, the “center place” spoken of in scripture.
This revelation also includes instructions regarding land purchases, printing operations, and leadership appointments for those called to remain and build up Zion.
🔗 Revelations in Context – “The Center Place”
Purpose of the Revelation
To formally declare Jackson County, Missouri as the location of Zion and its center at Independence.
To give instructions about land acquisition, Church publishing efforts, and leadership assignments in the region.
To emphasize that Zion is both a physical and spiritual undertaking, requiring faithful obedience and covenant preparation.
Significance
This is the first revelation that identifies the exact physical location of Zion—fulfilling long-awaited prophecies.
It shifts the Church’s focus from Ohio to Missouri as the central gathering place.
It reveals the Lord’s order and planning, appointing individuals like Sidney Gilbert, W. W. Phelps, and Edward Partridge to specific roles in building up Zion’s foundations.
It sets the tone for what Zion must become: not just a city, but a holy society grounded in consecration, purity, and divine order.
Verses | Main Theme | Summary |
1–3 | Zion’s Location Declared | The Lord identifies Jackson County, Missouri, with the center place in Independence, as the land of inheritance for the Saints. Zion is to be built here. |
4–5 | Bishop’s Stewardship Confirmed | Edward Partridge is appointed to divide land and oversee inheritances according to the law of the Church. |
6 | Printing Commanded | W. W. Phelps is called to print and write for the Church, especially for children and new converts. |
7–8 | Agents Appointed | Sidney Gilbert is called to act as an agent, assisting the bishop and overseeing purchasing and business transactions for Zion. |
9–10 | God’s Law Must Govern Zion | All things in Zion must be done according to God’s law—revealed and still to come—through His servants and prophets. |