“Lesson 10—Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65—Moroni Appeared to Joseph Smith,” Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual (2025)
“Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65,” Doctrine and Covenants Seminary
Lesson 10: Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27-65
Joseph Smith—History 1:27–50
Moroni Appeared to Joseph Smith
On September 21, 1823, Joseph Smith prayed to God for forgiveness of his sins and to know his standing before God. In response, the prophet Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith to teach him about the Book of Mormon and ancient prophecies about the Restoration of the gospel. Moroni also prophesied about Joseph’s future. This lesson can help students feel the significance of Joseph Smith’s calling as a prophet of God.
Possible Learning Activities
Joseph Smith described his youth
Read Joseph Smith—History 1:27–29, looking for how Joseph Smith described his feelings during the three years after the First Vision.
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How might the youth in our day relate to Joseph Smith?
God had a work for Joseph Smith
Read Joseph Smith—History 1:30–35 and look for what Joseph Smith experienced as he prayed.
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What did Joseph experience that may have given him hope?
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What truths can we learn from these verses about Joseph Smith?
During the night and early morning of September 21–22, 1823, Moroni appeared to Joseph three times. He shared the same message and quoted the same scriptures each time (see Joseph Smith—History 1:36–50).
Read these verses looking for why these prophecies would give Joseph additional understanding about the work he was to perform.
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How do these verses relate to the work the Lord called Joseph to do?
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How might these prophecies strengthen your witness of Joseph’s divine call?
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How has the work God accomplished through Joseph Smith influenced what you know or how you feel about Jesus Christ? (See 2 Nephi 3:6–8, 11; Doctrine and Covenants 135:3.)
Joseph Smith’s name is had for good and evil
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Why do you think there is so much opposition to the Prophet Joseph Smith?
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Why does the Lord allow the evil speaking to chase after the good? One reason is that opposition against the things of God sends seekers of truth to their knees for answers. …
The negative commentary about the Prophet Joseph Smith will increase as we move toward the Second Coming of the Savior. The half-truths and subtle deceptions will not diminish. There will be family members and friends who will need your help. (Neil L. Andersen, “Joseph Smith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 28, 30)
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How can it be helpful to know that Moroni prophesied that there would be critics who would speak “evil” of Joseph Smith?
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What can we do to be ready to help those who may experience opposition to their belief in Joseph Smith?
Fulfilling the prophecy to speak good of Joseph Smith
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave a specific invitation to the youth of the Church:
To the youth listening today or reading these words in the days ahead, I give a specific challenge: Gain a personal witness of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Let your voice help fulfill Moroni’s prophetic words to speak good of the Prophet. (Neil L. Andersen, “Joseph Smith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 30)
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What are ways you can help fulfill Moroni’s prophecy to speak good of Joseph Smith?