Come, Follow Me Doctrine and Covenants
Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26
Sacred Grove, by Greg Olsen

You might say the Doctrine and Covenants is a book of answers to prayers: many of the sacred revelations in this book came in response to questions. The question that began it all—the one that sparked the latter-day outpouring of revelation—was asked by a 14-year-old boy. A “war of words and tumult of opinions” (Joseph Smith—History 1:10) had left Joseph Smith confused about religion and his relationship with God. Perhaps you can relate to that. We find many conflicting ideas and persuasive voices in our day. When we want to sort through these messages and find truth, we can do what Joseph did. We can ask questions, study the scriptures, ponder, and ultimately ask God. In response to Joseph’s prayer, a pillar of light descended from heaven. God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared and answered his questions. Joseph’s testimony of that miraculous experience boldly declares that anyone “who [lacks] wisdom might ask of God, and obtain” (Joseph Smith—History 1:26). We can all receive, if not a heavenly vision, at least a clearer vision, illuminated by heavenly light.
JS-H 1:1-20: Joseph Smith tells of his ancestry, family members, and their early abodes—An unusual excitement about religion prevails in western New York—He determines to seek wisdom as directed by James—The Father and the Son appear, and Joseph is called to his prophetic ministry.
JS-H 1:21-26: Some preachers and other professors of religion reject the account of the First Vision—Persecution is heaped upon Joseph Smith—He testifies of the reality of the vision.
- Study and Teaching Helps: 2025 Doctrine & Covenants, Jonn Claybaugh
- Interpreter Radio Show — December 22, 2024, including Doctrine & Covenants in Context
- Come, Follow Me Study and Teaching Helps — Lesson 2: JS-History 1:1–26 (2021), Jonn Claybaugh
- Audio Roundtable: Come, Follow Me Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 2 (JS-History 1:1–26) (2021) (2021)
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: Introduction, Dennis B. Horne, Jan 1, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: Some Doctrinal Teachings about the First Vision, Dennis B. Horne, Jan 8, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: President James E. Faust Teaches and Testifies of the First Vision, Dennis B. Horne, Jan 15, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: In the Sacred Grove with Prophets, Dennis B. Horne, Jan 22, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: General Authority Teachings and Testimonies of the First Vision, Dennis B. Horne, Jan 29, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: Present and Past Church Leaders Teach and Testify of the First Vision, Dennis B. Horne, Feb 5, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: Teachings and Testimony about the First Vision Given at The 100 Year Centennial General Conference Commemoration, Dennis B. Horne, Feb 12, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: Elder Joseph F. Merrill Teaches and Testifies about the First Vision, Dennis B. Horne, Feb 19, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: President J. Reuben Clark Jr. Teaches and Testifies of the First Vision, Dennis B. Horne, Feb 22, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Must Accept the First Vision, Dennis B. Horne, Feb 26, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: President Joseph Fielding Smith Teaches and Testifies about the First Vision, Dennis B. Horne, Feb 29, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: Orson F. Whitney’s Dream-Vision of the Savior, Dennis B. Horne, Mar 4, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: Elder Bruce R. McConkie Teaches and Testifies of the First Vision, Dennis B. Horne, Mar 7, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: Joseph Fielding McConkie Discusses the First Vision and Tolerance, Dennis B. Horne, Mar 11, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: President Marion G. Romney Teaches and Testifies of the First Vision, Dennis B. Horne, Mar 14, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: Sister Ida Romney Obtains a Testimony of the First Vision, Dennis B. Horne, Mar 18, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: A Missionary Receives a Testimony of the First Vision, Dennis B. Horne, Mar 21, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: President Gordon B. Hinckley’s Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision, Dennis B. Horne, Mar 25, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: President Hinckley Comments on Joseph Smith’s and the Church’s Critics, Dennis B. Horne, Mar 28, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: Pure Apostolic Witness and Testimony of the First Vision, Dennis B. Horne, Apr 1, 2020
- Teachings and Testimony of the First Vision: An Amalgamation of Joseph Smith’s First Vision, Dennis B. Horne, Jan 18, 2020
- The Dawning of a Brighter Day, Stephen O. Smoot, Sep 4, 2018
- Interpreter Radio Show — February 2, 2020, Administration, Feb 11, 2020
- Interpreter Radio Show — January 12, 2020, Administration, Jan 21, 2020
- Interpreter Radio Show — January 19, 2020, Administration, Jan 21, 2020
- Interpreter Radio Show — July 15, 2018, Administration, Jul 17, 2018
- Interpreter Radio Show — July 5, 2020, Administration, Jul 13, 2020
- Interpreter Radio Show — March 1, 2020, Administration, Mar 5, 2020
- Interpreter Radio Show — March 8, 2020, Administration, Mar 16, 2020
- The First Vision with Spencer W. McBride, LDS Perspectives, Feb 5, 2020
- Scripture Roundtable: D&C Gospel Doctrine Lesson 3, "I Had Seen a Vision", Administration, Jan 24, 2017
- How Joseph Smith’s Grammar Differed from Book of Mormon Grammar: Evidence from the 1832 History, Stanford Carmack, June 9, 2017
- Evaluating Three Arguments Against Joseph Smith’s First Vision, Steven C. Harper, Oct 12, 2012
- Looking Deeper into Joseph Smith’s First Vision: Imagery, Cognitive Neuroscience, and the Construction of Memory, Robert A. Rees, Apr 21, 2017
- Rediscovering the First Vision, Neal Rappleye, Apr 17, 2015
- The Cowdery Conundrum: Oliver’s Aborted Attempt to Describe Joseph Smith’s First Vision in 1834 and 1835, Roger Nicholson, Dec 6, 2013
- Variants in the Stories of the First Vision of Joseph Smith and the Apostle Paul, John A. Tvedtnes, Nov 2, 2012