Chapter 19

A Revelation given to Joseph Smith Jr. and Oliver Cowdery concerning John, the Beloved Disciple who leaned on his savior’s breast. Translated from a vision of parchment, written and hid up by himself. Harmony, Pennsylvania, April, 1829.

(*BoC&R 13-14, BoC 6, CoC 7, CJCLdS 7)


1

I continued to translate, and Oliver to write, with little cessation, during which time we received several revelations.

2

A difference of opinion arising between us about the account of John the Apostle, mentioned in the New Testament, as to whether he died or continued to live.

3

We mutually agreed to settle it by the seer stone and the following is the word which we received:

4 [7:1a/7:1]

¶ And the Lord said unto me, John my beloved, what desirest thou?

5 [7:1b/7:2]

And I said: Lord, give unto me power that I may bring souls unto thee.

6 [7:1c/7:3]

And the Lord said unto me: Verily, verily I say unto thee, because thou desirest this, thou shalt tarry till I come in my glory.

7 [7:2a1/7:4a]

¶ And for this cause, the Lord said unto Peter: If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

8 [7:2a2/7:4b]

For he desirest of me that he might bring souls unto me: but thou desirest that thou might speedily come unto me in my kingdom.

9 [7:2b/7:5]

I say unto thee, Peter; this was a good desire, but my beloved has undertaken a greater work.

10 [7:3c/7:8]

¶ Verily I say unto you, ye shall both have according to your desires, for ye both joy in that which ye have desired.