Scripture Central Commentary on the Doctrine & Covenants, Vol. 4

Brought to you by Scripture Central, this commentary aims to make the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History more accessible, comprehensible, and defensible to people everywhere. It draws on the latest scholarship and research in Church history, including groundbreaking work from the Joseph Smith Papers project. Each section of the Doctrine and Covenants is presented in clear historical context, drawing directly from primary sources. The complete text is placed side-by-side with insightful commentary designed to increase your understanding and enlighten your mind concerning these sacred revelations.

Volume 4 covers the climatic events of Joseph Smith’s ministry and the final revelations given before his martyrdom. It opens with the revelations given at the Pentecostal outpouring during the dedication of the Kirtland temple, when Jesus Christ and several ancient prophets appear to restore priesthood power and saving temple ordinances. This volume also details the revelations given at Nauvoo concerning proxy ordinance work for the dead and the nature of eternal families. It addresses the terrible persecutions suffered by the Saints in Missouri and the powerful words given to Joseph Smith while he was confined in Liberty Jail. After providing vital context for the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, this work concludes with the revelations given to his prophetic successors, including Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff, Joseph F. Smith, and Spencer W. Kimball.

Volume 4 contains the complete text of Doctrine and Covenants 108–Official Declaration 2 with verse-by-verse commentary. It includes “The Articles of Faith” and “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” with commentary. It also includes “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” and “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World.”

Casey Paul Griffiths is an Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history, a master’s degree in religious education, and a PhD in educational leadership and foundations, all from Brigham Young University. He has served as president of the John Whitmer Historical Association and the BYU Education Society. Before coming to BYU he served as a teacher and curriculum writer in the Seminaries and Institutes of Religion department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He also serves as a managing editor of Doctrine and Covenants Central, a website designed to build faith in Jesus Christ by making the Doctrine and Covenants accessible, comprehensible, and defensible to people everywhere. He lives in Saratoga Springs with his wife, Elizabeth, and their four wonderful children.