“Questions and Answers about the Priesthood,” Friend, May 2008, 24–25
Questions and Answers about the Priesthood
What is priesthood?
Priesthood is the power and authority of God. Worthy male members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints receive the priesthood to do God’s work on earth. The Melchizedek Priesthood, or the “high priesthood,” was named after a righteous high priest who was a king. The Aaronic Priesthood, or the “lesser priesthood,” is part of the high priesthood. It prepares boys and men to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Has the priesthood always been on the earth?
After Jesus Christ and His Apostles were killed, the priesthood was taken from the earth. In 1829, John the Baptist returned as a resurrected being to restore the Aaronic Priesthood. He conferred it upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Later, Peter, James, and John, who were Apostles of Jesus Christ when He lived on the earth, conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood on Joseph and Oliver.
How does the priesthood bless my life?
Where in the scriptures can I learn about the priesthood?
The Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood by Del Parson, © 1984 IRI / Photographs by Christina Smith