D&C Section Seven

While translating the Book of Mormon, Oliver and Joseph would have discussions about the scriptures and one day they disagreed with what the Savior meant when talking to Peter about John he said, "If I will that he tarry til I come, what is that to thee?" The question was, did the Savior allow John to stay on the earth until his second coming or did John die like the other apostles? Section 7 is a translation of a parchment that John had written on and hidden. I have found no record that Joseph ever had the parchment, but was probably allowed to see it in vision. On this parchment, John confirms that the Lord granted his desire to live on the earth until the Savior's second coming. John states that his desire is to bring souls to Christ. The Savior tells him that he will be as a ministering angel meaning he will be like a ministering angel. Later, Joseph will learn that ministering angels have resurrected bodies. John will translated so that he does not experience death, sickness or pain, but until he is resurrected, he will not be a ministering angel. What this revelation reveals is John's love and concern for others, that they find the truth concerning their salvation.

There is a long story in the Eusebius History of the Church, which is the earliest church history recorded, that illustrates how much John cares for the souls of people. Basically, the story goes like this. John leaves a boy in the care of the bishop at Smyrna with the understanding that the bishop will raise him properly. The bishop looks closely after the boy until he is baptized, but then neglects him after that. The boy eventually joins with a group of trouble makers and as they get older, their crimes become worse. As a young man, the boy becomes their leader and they commit serious crimes. John eventually returns to Smyrna and asks the bishop what has happened to the boy. The bishop sorrowfully tells John how the boy became wild in spite of his best efforts. John asks to be led into the mountains where the gang is known to stay and as he approaches the area, members of the gang take him prisoner. John tells them he wants to see their leader and as he approaches, the young man recognizes him and is suddenly filled with shame and starts to run away. John chases after him and tells him that he will lay down his life for him if it will help him with the authorities. He pleads with him to come back and change his life. As a result of John's display of love and acceptance, the young man returns.