Talk:Restored priesthood

http://www.fairboards.org/index.php?s=&showtopic=19784&view=findpost&p=1208071128

Smiley,

I doubt that your bishop is looking for serious historical discussion, but maybe I can help confuse you further. Confusion comes from the incomplete and contradictory state of the historical sources and JS's evolving definitions. Let me outline what we know.

15 May 1829 - JS and OC baptize one another. The authority to do so apparently came from God's command to do so through revelation. The story of John the Baptist is first told in September 1834. The term Aaronic Priesthood is not used for this authority until about 1832 (as implied in D&C 84).

June 1829 - The word of the Lord in the chamber of Peter Whitmer, Sr.'s, house gives power to give the Holy Ghost and ordain elders. This authority was not associated with Melchizedek Priesthood until 1832 (D&C 84).

July 1830 - Possible date for restoration of apostolic keys (D&C 27:12). The visitation of Peter, James, and John not mentioned until 1835, several months after the Quorum of 12 were organized (in February). D&C 27, as published in 1833 Book of Commandments, did not mention PJ&J, but was added in 1835 D&C.

June 1831 - Conference in Ohio is the first mention of high priesthood and its connection with Melchizedek. At this time the two priesthoods were the high priesthood, which some elders had, and the holy priesthood, which was everyone else.

September 1832 - Revelation associates two priesthoods with Aaron and Moses/Melchizedek, and links elders with the high priesthood (D&C 84).

I tried to keep it simple, but it is even more complex than this.