When Jesus Christ was on the earth, He called and ordained Twelve Apostles. (See John 15:16 and Matthew 10:2-5) He gave them authority to act in His name and to teach His gospel. There are living Apostles on the earth today. Like the original Twelve called in the New Testament, these Apostles have authority to act in the name of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led today by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Generally, there are 15 Apostles--three in the First Presidency and twelve in the Quorum of the Twelve. Currently, the order of seniority is as follows:
1. Thomas Spencer Monson
2. Boyd Kenneth Packer
3. Lowell Tom Perry
4. Russell Marion Nelson
5. Dallin Harris Oaks
6. Melvin Russell Ballard, Jr.
7. Joseph Bitner Wirthlin
8. Richard Gordon Scott
9. Robert Dean Hales
10. Jeffrey Roy Holland
11. Henry Bennion Eyring
12. Dieter Friedrich Uchtdorf
13. David Allan Bednar
14. Quentin LaMar Cook
A fifteenth Apostle will most likely be called in April General Conference to fill the vacancy. The person at the top of this list has always been the President of the Church. Each of these men is appropriately called Elder. However, the 3 in the First Presidency are given the title of President, such as President Monson, President Eyring, and President Uchtdorf.
I have decided to do a brief biography on each of these men along with any personal encounters or experiences I have had with them. Look for these posts throughout the coming months. As Paul said, "...know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 5:12)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Good explanation. I am excited to hear about your personal experiences.
I've had a question for a while. If the 12 are called based on Jesus calling the 12 during his ministry, on what is the first presidency based? I'll check here for an answer
Although not explicitly stated in the New Testament, the First Presidency was composed of Peter, James and John as implied through the many references of just those 3 alone. For example, see Mark 9:2 or Mark 14:33. Peter was the prophet. It appears during New Testament times the First Presidency also made up part of the original Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In our day, 3 additional men are called to have a full 12 Apostles along with the First Presidency.
Post a Comment