“Lift Up Your Voices … to Declare My Gospel”
- CFMCorner
- Apr 10
- 29 min read
Updated: Apr 15
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My apologies for not getting this out earlier. I was out of town with my kiddos for Spring Break. Full Chapter Outlines are included in expandable links below. Happy Studies!
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Chapter Outlines
Doctrine and Covenants 30: Study Guide
1. Overview
This section is originally three brief revelations combined by Joseph Smith in the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants. It addresses three Whitmer brothers—David, Peter Jr., and John—each receiving specific counsel. The overarching theme is the Lord’s call to serve diligently and faithfully in the newly organized Church. Each brother is either gently rebuked for distraction and complacency (David) or invited to join a missionary effort (Peter Jr. and John).
2. Timeframe & Setting
Timeframe: September 1830, immediately following a three-day Church conference in Fayette, New York. The Church was still in its infancy—just five months after its organization in April 1830.
Setting:
The Whitmer family home in Fayette served as a central gathering place.
The recent conference underscored the imperative to preach the gospel widely.
As elders of the Church prepared to separate and embark on various assignments, the Lord spoke to the Whitmer brothers with direct guidance on their respective duties.
3. Key Circumstances
David Whitmer: Needed correction for letting worldly concerns overshadow his God-given calling.
Peter Whitmer Jr.: Called to join Oliver Cowdery on the mission westward, specifically to the Lamanites, underscoring the importance of that pioneering missionary effort.
John Whitmer: Instructed to preach the gospel in his local region, focusing on building up the Church near home.
Rebukes and Reassurances: The section demonstrates the Lord’s willingness both to chasten and to promise blessings for those who serve faithfully.
4. Purpose of the Revelation
Realignment: David Whitmer is lovingly rebuked to refocus on his divine ministry.
Missionary Calls: Peter Whitmer Jr. and John Whitmer are assigned to specific fields of labor—Peter traveling with Oliver Cowdery, and John beginning to preach locally.
Demonstration of Personal Revelation: Each brother’s message is precisely tailored to his situation, modeling how the Lord directs individuals in the Restoration.
5. Significance
Obedience and Trust in God: David’s rebuke spotlights the theme of fearing man over God, reminding us to rely on divine strength.
Pioneering Mission to Lamanites: Peter’s call to accompany Oliver Cowdery foreshadows a notable missionary trek toward the western frontier.
Local vs. Distant Service: John’s call to serve closer to home highlights that all disciples have essential roles—whether near or far.
Unity in Diverse Callings: Despite differences in assignment, each Whitmer brother’s work supports the central mission of building up the Church and preparing for Zion.
Theme & Description | Resources & Cross-References |
Verses 1–4: David Whitmer’s Correction and Counsel Description: David Whitmer is mildly rebuked for fearing others’ opinions more than relying on the Lord. He has been swayed by voices “whom [the Lord has] not commanded,” implying susceptibility to outside influences. “Ponder and attend to the ministry” (3-4) David is told to “inquire for yourself” and remain at his father’s home for the present, devoting himself to his calling. Hebrew/Greek/Literary Insight: “Fear” in Hebrew ירא, (yare) often denotes reverence or awe. It is also the root for Torah, meaning Law and instruction. Here, it suggests David revered human approval more than seeking out divine will and instruction frm the Lord. Reflection:
| Saints: Come Life or Come Death
Doctrine and Covenants Contexts: D&C 30 Doctrine and Covenants Minute: D&C 30 Restoration Voices Volume 2: D&C 30 "The Knight and Whitmer Families" – Revelations in Context President Russell M. Nelson – “Spiritual Treasures” (Oct 2019) Encourages seeking personal revelation and being spiritually independent President Dallin H. Oaks – “Following Christ” (Oct 2024) Discusses the spiritual maturity required to follow the Savior’s will above our own or others’ expectations—especially relevant to David’s chastisement for fearing man more than God. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland – “Broken Things to Mend” (April 2006) Relates to the Lord’s loving correction of David Whitmer in D&C 30 and His desire to lift and empower rather than shame. |
Verses 5–8: Peter Whitmer Jr.’s Call to Serve Description: Peter is assigned to accompany Oliver Cowdery on the early mission to the Lamanites. The Lord instructs him to heed Oliver’s words and to endure afflictions in faith. “None … be his counselor, except Joseph Smith” (7–8) Reinforces Oliver’s role as Senior Companion: Peter’s duty is to be supportive and diligent. Literary Insight: Note the repeated phrase “fear not” across early revelations—emphasizes reliance on God’s power and instruction to help them overcome challenges and anxieties. Reflection:
| -D&C 28:8 (Oliver’s mission calling) -D&C 4:2 (serve with all heart, might, mind, strength) -Mark 13:10 (the gospel must first be published among all nations) -D&C 31:3 (thrust in your sickle with all your soul) | |
Verses 9–11: John Whitmer’s Local Mission “Proclaim my gospel, as with the voice of a trump” John is called to preach boldly. The imagery of a trumpet signals urgency and clarity in delivering God’s message. “And your whole labor shall be in Zion … not fearing what man can do” Hebrew/Greek/Literary Insight: Trumpet as a call to action or to battle (e.g. Joshua 6:20). Symbolically, the Lord’s disciples “sound” the message. Reflection:
Consider “John’s local labor”: We need not travel far to share the gospel; local ministries can be as vital as global ones. | Isaiah 58:1 (cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet) D&C 33:2 (voice as a trump) D&C 63:47 (Zion, the pure in heart) Psalm 118:6 (the Lord is on my side; I will not fear) |
Doctrine and Covenants 31: Study Guide
Doctrine and Covenants 32: Study Guide
Doctrine and Covenants 33: Study Guide
Doctrine and Covenants 34: Study Guide
Doctrine and Covenants 35: Study Guide
Doctrine and Covenants 36 Study Guide
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