Joseph Smith - History 1:21-54

Joseph Smith – History 1:21-54 Study Guide – to be discussed March 11
Day 1: Read JS-H 1:21-23; James 5:10-11; Amos 7:14-15
1. When the young Joseph Smith shared his experience with a local preacher, what was the reaction? What logic did the preacher use?


2. Why might local clergy have been quick to denounce Joseph? Did Joseph pose a threat?



3. Read James 5:10-11 and Amos 7:14-15. How did the reactions of preachers and religious professors to Joseph’s vision confirm the Lord’s counsel in the First Vision (see JS-H 1:19)?



Day 2: Read JS-H 1:24-26; Acts 26:13-28
4. Read the account of Paul’s witness before Festus and Agrippa in Acts 26:13-28. List similarities between Joseph’s and Paul’s experiences.



5. What did Joseph fear more, offending God or offending men? How do you know?


6. Underline or count every instance in these verses where Joseph wrote, “I had [or have] seen [or beheld] a vision [or light]…” List elements of Joseph’s testimony, or in other words, truths he had learned.



Day 3: Read JS-H 1:27-32; D&C 110:1-4; Revelation 1:13-17
7. Review JS-H 1:14. How many years had Joseph affirmed his vision by autumn 1823?


8. In Joseph’s prayer on September 21, 1823, for what did he petition the Lord, specifically? What gave him confidence that his prayer would be answered? (See also D&C 63:8-12.)



9. Compare the description of the angel Moroni with the two descriptions of the resurrected Christ in Revelation 1:13-17 and D&C 110:1-4. List similarities.



Day 4: Read JS-H 1:33-39; Revelation 14:6-7; Malachi 4:1, 5-6
10. List five things Moroni wanted Joseph Smith to know.



BONUS: Read Revelation 14:6-7. How was this prophecy fulfilled in part on September 21, 1823?


11. What is the connection between the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and Malachi’s prophecy (JS-H 1:37-39) regarding the last days?



12. Compare Malachi 4:1 and 5-6 with the revised versions as quoted by Moroni. What phrases were added or revised?



BONUS: What does it mean to be without root or branch?


Day 5: Read JS-H 1:40-42; Isaiah 11; D&C 113:1-6; Joel 2:28-32; D&C 88:84-85; Isaiah 42:6-7
13. Read Isaiah 11, D&C 113:1-6 and Joel 2:28-32. In what way(s) would the study of Isaiah 11 and Joel 2 help prepare Joseph for the “work” he was called to do? How has scripture study helped you fulfill a calling?



14. Read D&C 88:84-85 with Isaiah 42:6-7. What is the “fullness of the Gentiles” (JS-H 1:41)?



15. What warning did Moroni issue before he opened a vision of the location of the plates?



Day 6: Read JS-H 1:43-48
16. How did Moroni exit Joseph’s room? How did he return?



17. What did Moroni add to his recitation on his second visit? on his third visit?



18. Review the three nighttime visits of Moroni. List words Joseph used to describe his own reactions to the miraculous communication in verses 44, 46 and 47 (eg: “musing” in v. 44).



Day 7: Read JS-H 1:49-54
19. What counsel did Moroni give after another repetition of the same scriptural message during his fourth visit? What was the result of Joseph’s obedience?



20. What physical evidence did Joseph have to confirm the validity of the messenger and his message?



21. How often and for how long did Joseph meet with Moroni after his initial visits?


EXTRA CREDIT: Read 1 Corinthians 1:27-28, Isaiah 28:21, 29:11-14, John 10:16. These verses of scripture were identified (along with others) by Oliver Cowdery as quoted by Moroni - part of the “many passages of scripture” indicated in JS-H 1:41. How did these add to Joseph’s understanding of his “work”?