Aaronic Priesthood Restoration


Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery receive the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist

by John Fisher (assisted by AI)

The restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood is a foundational event in Latter-day Saint history. On May 15, 1829, near Harmony, Pennsylvania, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery sought divine guidance regarding the ordinance of baptism. In response to their prayer, John the Baptist appeared to them as a heavenly messenger. He laid his hands upon their heads and conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood, addressing them as “my fellow servants.” This priesthood authority included the keys to the ministering of angels, the gospel of repentance, and baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. John the Baptist also instructed them that this authority did not encompass the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, which would be conferred upon them later. Following this visitation, Joseph and Oliver baptized each other in the nearby Susquehanna River. This event is detailed in Joseph Smith–History 1:68–72, found in the Pearl of Great Price.

The promises made by John the Baptist during this visitation emphasized the enduring nature of the Aaronic Priesthood. He declared that this priesthood “shall never be taken again from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.” This statement underscores the belief in the perpetual presence of this priesthood authority on the earth. Additionally, the conferred keys encompass the ministering of angels, the gospel of repentance, and baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, as outlined in Doctrine and Covenants 13:1.

The location of this significant event, near Harmony, Pennsylvania, exemplifies how the Lord often selects humble settings for pivotal moments in His kingdom. In this secluded area, the foundation for essential ordinances and priesthood authority was established, highlighting that divine work is centered on service rather than recognition. This principle is further emphasized in Doctrine and Covenants 14:7, which speaks of the “great and marvelous work” of the Lord.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sources:

   •   Joseph Smith–History 1:68–72: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1.68-72

   •   Doctrine and Covenants 13:1: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/13.1

   •   Doctrine and Covenants 14:7: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/14.7

   •   Priesthood Restoration Site: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priesthood_Restoration_Site

   •   Aaronic Priesthood (Latter Day Saints): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaronic_priesthood_(Latter_Day_Saints)

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