1 Corinthians 14

After teaching the Corinthians about the many gifts of the Spirit, Paul then follows with this instruction -

"I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 14:5)

Because -

"...he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 14:3)

For we are to -

"FOLLOW after charity, and desire spiritual gifts..." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 14:1)

For the purpose -

"...that ye may prophesy." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 14:1)

"...forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 14:12)

What does Paul mean to "prophecy" that the Church or saints will be edified? John testifies -

"...I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (New Testament Revelation 19:10)

Elder John A Widstoe defined -

“...a prophet is a teacher. That is the essential meaning of the word. He teaches the body of truth, the gospel, revealed by the Lord to man; and under inspiration explains it to the understanding of the people. He is an expounder of truth. Moreover, he shows that the way to human happiness is through obedience to God’s law. He calls to repentance those who wander away from the truth. He becomes a warrior for the consummation of the Lord’s purposes with respect to the human family. The purpose of his life is to uphold the Lord’s plan of salvation. All this he does by close communion with the Lord, until he is ‘full of power by the spirit of the Lord." (Evidences and Reconciliations, pp. 257–58.)

He also explained -

A prophet is a teacher of known truth; a seer is a perceiver of hidden truth, a revelator is a bearer of new truth. In the widest sense, the one most commonly used, the title, prophet, includes the other titles and makes of the prophet, a teacher, perceiver, and bearer of truth." (Evidences and Reconciliations, pp. 258–59.)

But as John so testified, the know truth is the testimony of Jesus Christ, His doctrine, and His kingdom. Elder McConkie explained -

“...Prophets are simply members of a true Church who have testimonies of the truth and divinity of the work. They are the saints of God who have learned by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God..." (The Promised Messiah, pp. 23)

Knowing this helps to explain Moses's desire -

"...would God that all the LORD's people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!" (Old Testament Numbers 11:29)

This also helps to explain as Saul sent his servants to find David -

"...when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 19:20)

Which means they also bore testimony of Christ. This explains why Paul said to the Corinthians -

"Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy..." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 14:39)

1 Corinthians 7:32

Paul counsels the Corinthians -

"...I would have you without carefulness." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:32)

I've been thinking about this counsel. It seems today that we spend a great deal of worrying or stressing over nothing or nothing of which we have any control. In this chapter, Paul counsel seems more directed to those who are called or to be called to be missionaries. Many saints fail to choose to serve missions because they worry about what they may miss or be able to control at home or because of what they see as challenges ahead. Paul said much the same thing where he said to the Phillipians -

"Be careful for nothing..." (New Testament Philippians 4:6)

Or in other words, what I think he was saying is "don't worry", don't have anxiety over nothing. I think much the same as the Savior said to his disciples -

"...see that ye be not troubled..." (New Testament Matthew 24:6)

Though it is difficult, I believe we can do this as we seek the Holy Ghost, for the Savior explained of the comforter -

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (New Testament John 14:27)

As Paul counseled to "be careful for nothing", he explains -

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (New Testament Philippians 4:7)

1 Corinthians 7

As we read Paul's epistle to the Corinthians, it seems quite apparent that Paul is answering questions that were probably sent to him from the saints. One of the probable questions was in regard to those called to serve missions and how relationships and marriage was to play into these callings. Paul addresses theirs callings with -

"But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:17)

He continues -

"Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:20 - 24)

And while they are thus called to serve, Paul counsels -

"It is good for a man not to touch a woman." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:1)

But he also counsels, if those called on missions feel they will transgress, he counsels -

"Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:2)

But what would be best while serving is to -

"Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:5)

For while called to serve on missions -

"...He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord..." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:32)

And -

"...The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit..." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:34)

Because he that are married should also -

"...careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:33)

And -

"...she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:34)

Paul does not denounce married but sustains it saying -

"...neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 11:11)

In modern day, prophets, seers, and revelators have proclaimed -

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

1 Corinthians 2

As Paul answers the Corinthians, he reminds them -

"...I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom..." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 2:1)

In fact -

"....I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom..." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 2:3 - 4)

Paul continues to explain how the gospel of Jesus Christ is not to be taught according to the wisdom of the world -

"...but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 2:4 - 5)

The Greeks were known for their great philosophers and their, so called, love of wisdom. It is this wisdom, the wisdom of men, the wisdom of the world that Paul challenged, saying -

"Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory..." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 2:6 - 7)

For the wisdom of God, which is a mystery to those of the world, only comes by the Holy Ghost as Paul explains that -

"...God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 2:10 - 13)

And those who receive not the Spirit is the natural man and -

"...the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 2:14)

President Joseph F. Smith warned in 1914 that there were three threatening dangers facing the membership of the Church saying -

“There are at least three dangers that threaten the Church within, and the authorities need to awaken to the fact that the people should be warned unceasingly against them. As I see these, they are flattery of prominent men in the world, false educational ideas, and sexual impurity.” (Gospel Doctrine, pp. 312–13.)

These three seemed to be the same issues Paul addressed with the Corinthians in his day. Jacob taught -

"...O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 9:28)

It is important to understand that "the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom" only comes by preaching by the power the Holy Ghost. In considering again the words of Paul -

"...my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power..." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 2:4)

I follow with the teachings of Elder Bruce R. McConkie -

“There was of old, there is now, and to all eternity there shall be only one approved and proper way to preach the gospel—Preach by the power of the Spirit. Anything short of this is not of God and has neither converting nor saving power. All the religious learning, of all the professors of religion, of all the ages is as nothing compared to the Spirit-born testimony of one legal administrator. . . .if there is any truth of salvation that Deity has made imperishably clear, it is the first and last, in all ages, now and forever, among the learned and the ignorant for all races and peoples, and for that matter on all the endless worlds of the great Creator, there is one formula and one formula only for conveying saving truth to men—Preach by the power of the Spirit.” (McConkie, DNTC, 2:318.)

Acts 20

Because of Paul's great desire to be in Jerusalem at the day of Pentecost, he was unable to stop by Ephesus so -

"...from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church." (New Testament Acts 20:17)

I'm sure the reference to the elders of the Church were the local priesthood leaders. It was to these brethren he informed -

"...behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more." (New Testament Acts 20:25)

It must have been a difficult time in the ancient church in those days with "churches" or individual units spread so far geographically from one another and with the limiting forms of communication in those days. Being guided by the Spirit, Paul knew how difficult it would be to return to Ephesus with the work he was to do. You can sense his sincerity has he counsels and forewarns -

"...Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch..." (New Testament Acts 20:28 - 31)

These brethren had been called to be shepherds over their flock. And how were they to know their duty, by the Holy Ghost which inspired their callings. Paul knew what would eventually happen to these dedicated disciples and their flock for he prophecied to the Thessolonians -

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?" (New Testament 2 Thessalonians 2:3 - 5)

As Paul foretold, this falling away took place, "not sparing the flock". But in the spring of 1820 -

"...the times of restitution of all things" (New Testament Acts 3:21)

...began in a grove of trees in upstate New York. As Paul departed he reminded and counseled these leaders -

"...I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." (New Testament Acts 20:35)

This was their charge, this is the charge of all priesthood leaders in our day. The Savior taught the Pharisees -

"For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother." (New Testament Mark 3:35)

We see this brotherly love for -

"...when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship." (New Testament Acts 20:36 - 38)

1 Thessalonians 5

Speaking to the saints at Thessalonia, Paul writes -

"Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 5:5)

As children of light or of the day, Paul warns -

"Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 5:6 - 7)

To remain children of light he admonishes -

"...let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 5:8)

We begin to understand more what "children of light" means as James teaches -

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights..." (New Testament James 1:17)

The light is truth or the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ or as revealed by the Lord in modern day -

"...I have sent mine everlasting covenant into the world, to be a light to the world, and to be a standard for my people, and for the Gentiles to seek to it, and to be a messenger before my face to prepare the way before me." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 45:9)

Alma described what happened to their parents as they chose to accept His everlasting covenant. He said the Lord -

"...changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word..." (Book of Mormon Alma 5:7)

And thus they became children of light for as they did look -

"...forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another...they became the children of God." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 18:21 - 22)

This is why the Lord has-

"...commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:40)

That all our children may also be "children of light".

1 Thessalonians

As Paul writes the Thessalonians recalling his preaching and their conversions, we learn a great deal of how the priesthood is to be exercised in preaching and teaching the gospel, for -

"...we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 2:2)

It appears one of the requirements to preach his gospel was that of worthiness and humility -

"For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 2:3 - 4)

Explaining

"...how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe..."
(New Testament 1 Thessalonians 2:10)

It was not done dramatically with false motivation as Paul declared -

"...neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 2:5)

And not for personal gain, pride, or control -

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
(New Testament 1 Thessalonians 2:6 - 9)

As Paul described his and his companions methods of teaching, he also explains the Thessalonians method of coversion saying -

"For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 1:5)

"....because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 2:13)

And by the witness of the Holy Ghost -

"...ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 1:6)

Paul taught a consistent theme to the believers -

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast." (New Testament Ephesians 2:8 - 9)

But it also becomes apparent that faith has a lot do with obedience to the commandments as Paul taught -

"For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?" (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 3:9 - 10)

Paul explained -

"For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 4:2 - 3)

Such as -

"...that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 4:3 - 4)

"That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 4:6)

That they -

"increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 3:12)

"...That ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 4:11)

"...That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 4:12)

It becomes clear that Paul was suggesting that the required -

"...stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 3:13)

"For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 4:7)

Acts 17

As Paul stood on Mars' Hill, he taught the Athenians that the Lord -

"...hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us..." (New Testament Acts 17:26 - 27)

The Joseph Smith Translation used the words -

". . . if they are willing to find him, for he is not far from every one of us."

As I pondered "of one blood all nations of men", I thought of the promises made to Abraham of whom the Jews so strongly claimed their heritage -

"...I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee above measure, and make thy name great among all nations, and thou shalt be a blessing unto thy seed after thee, that in their hands they shall bear this ministry and Priesthood unto all nations;
10 And I will bless them through thy name; for as many as receive this Gospel shall be called after thy name, and shall be accounted thy seed, and shall rise up and bless thee, as their father;
11 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee; and in thee (that is, in thy Priesthood) and in thy seed (that is, thy Priesthood), for I give unto thee a promise that this right shall continue in thee, and in thy seed after thee (that is to say, the literal seed, or the seed of the body) shall all the families of the earth be blessed, even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal." (Pearl of Great Price Abraham 2:9 - 11)

Paul taught the Galations of this concept of who becomes the seed of Abraham saying-

"...as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham." (New Testament Galatians 3:6 - 9)

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (New Testament Galatians 3:26 - 29)

It then appears to be the distinct obligation and duty of the seed of Abraham -

"...that in their hands they shall bear this ministry and Priesthood unto all nations..." (Pearl of Great Price Abraham 2:9)

It is apparent that Paul understood this obligation as the Lord, having previously called him -

"...a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel..." (New Testament Acts 9:15)

Said to Paul and Barnabas -

"...I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth." (New Testament Acts 13:47)

It is the seed of Abraham to whom the Lord addressed in modern day -

"Verily, I say unto you that ye are chosen out of the world to declare my gospel with the sound of rejoicing, as with the voice of a trump." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 29:4)

It was with this priesthood obligation that -

"...while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry." (New Testament Acts 17:16)

Which led to his infamous teachings on Mars' Hill

Acts 15

As the gospel was being preached among the gentiles, there were -

"...certain men which came down from Judæa taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved." (New Testament Acts 15:1)

The Jews had a very difficult time abandoning the their traditions that the Savior came to fulfill. These teachings caused a great deal of conflict between the converted Jews and gentiles, and having -

"...no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question." (New Testament Acts 15:2)

With Paul and Barnabus being ordained apostles, they went to Jerusalem to meet with their fellow quorum members and Church leaders for spiritual guidance and direction, for -

"...the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter." (New Testament Acts 15:6)

And after much disputing and discussion, the presiding authority in the Church -

"Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?" (New Testament Acts 15:7 - 10)

And knowing that the Law of Moses had been fulfilled, Peter teaches -

"But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." (New Testament Acts 15:11)

Both Paul and Barnabus followed with testimony of these things by -

"...declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them." (New Testament Acts 15:12)

James follows with an explanation much like Paul would later write to the Galations -

"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." (New Testament Galatians 3:24 - 26)

James recognized what was really more important for the gentiles was to -

"...abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood." (New Testament Acts 15:20)

So, under the direction of Jesus Christ, by the guidance of the Holy Ghost they set Church policy and wrote letters saying -

"Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things..." (New Testament Acts 15:24 - 28)

We learn a great deal how the Savior directs His Church as it was written by the apostles -

"For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us..." (New Testament Acts 15:28)

We also witness by virtue of their callings as apostles -

"...Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them." (New Testament Acts 15:32)

Just this past weekend, we sustained the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators. We see this same principle in the days of the early Church. As the Prophet Joseph Smith taught -

"We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth." (Pearl of Great Price Articles of Faith 1:6)

Acts 9

It was on the road to Damascus where the Savior appeared to Saul saying -

"...Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?..." (New Testament Acts 9:4)

Saul responded -

"...Who art thou, Lord?..." (New Testament Acts 9:5)

To which the Lord answered -

"...I am Jesus whom thou persecutest..." (New Testament Acts 9:5)

How Saul responded to these words is what I see as the matter of greatest importance, as Saul -

"...trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" (New Testament Acts 9:6)

It was not an issue of believing as he was confronted by the Lord, but and issue of doing according to the Lord's will. The Lord instructed Saul -

"...Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do." (New Testament Acts 9:6)

In obedience, Saul immediately -

"...arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink." (New Testament Acts 9:8 - 9)

Laman and Lemuel were visited by an angel much like Saul where -

"...an angel of the Lord came and stood before them, and he spake unto them, saying: Why do ye smite your younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that the Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you, and this because of your iniquities? Behold ye shall go up to Jerusalem again, and the Lord will deliver Laban into your hands." (Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 3:29)

The angel instructs Laman and Lemuel what to do, but -

"...after the angel had departed, Laman and Lemuel again began to murmur, saying: How is it possible that the Lord will deliver Laban into our hands? Behold, he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?" (Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 3:31)

There is an apparent and distinct difference between Saul and Laman and Lemuel. The difference is the principle of obedience. Saul who later took on the name Paul continued in his path of dedication and obedience to become as the Lord told Ananias -

"...a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake." (New Testament Acts 9:15 - 16)

Laman and Lemuel's posterity went on to -

"...dwindled in unbelief [and] they became a dark, and loathsome, and a filthy people, full of idleness and all manner of abominations." (Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 12:23)

The Savior himself taught -

"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (New Testament John 7:17)

Also as the Savior taught the Scribes and Pharisees -

"For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." (New Testament Matthew 12:50)

The emphasis of the Savior was "do"!

Acts 9 & 10

As I have been reading the Acts of the Apostles, I noticed a distinct doctrine of the priesthood. When the priesthood is present on the earth, the Lord Omnipotent, who could easily do the work himself, seems to refrain and delegate to His presiding authorities to do his work on earth. As Cornelius -

"...feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do." (New Testament Acts 10:2 - 6)

The angel could have easily told Cornelius what to do but instead, the Lord had Cornelius pursue His presiding priesthood leader, he who held the -

"...the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (New Testament Matthew 16:19)

...for further instructions. We see this same principle with Saul as he -

"...journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do." (New Testament Acts 9:3 - 6)

It was in Damascus that the Lord revealed in vision to Ananias -

"...Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight." (New Testament Acts 9:11 - 12)

I believe Ananias was the presiding authority in Damascus at that time. And in obedience -

"...Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost." (New Testament Acts 9:17)

It seems in this manner that both individuals benefit and -

"...understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:22)

I all seems to support the doctrine -

"And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." (New Testament Hebrews 11:39 - 40)