Who
Section 5 is addressed to one person in particular. Who is it?
Martin Harris
(See the section heading and 5:1)
Martin Harris wanted to see something for himself. What was it? v1
The gold plates
Does this section happen (chronologically) before OR after Martin Harris has lost the 116 pages?
After.
(This section was received in March 1829. The 116 pages were lost in June/July 1828.)
In response to his prayer, was Joseph Smith permitted to show the plates to Martin Harris? v2-3
No
Section 5:2-3
What/who was probably a major reason that Martin Harris wanted to see the plates?
Lucy Harris -- his wife
She was angry generally and had filed a lawsuit to prove that the plates were a hoax.
The Lord tells Joseph that for "right now" he has one gift -- and that he needs to complete what he has been commanded to do before getting any others. What is that gift? v4
"gift to translate the plates" D&C 5:4
Is seeing the plates necessary to have a testimony of the Book of Mormon?
No.
"I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if these things are true . . . and by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." Moroni 10:4-5
Why wasn't Joseph allowed to show Martin Harris the plates? Martin had served as scribe and had provided financial support.
(Let's discuss . . . )
How many people will be called and ordained to see the plates? v11-12, 15
In addition to Joseph, "the testimony of three of my servants
After Joseph has finished translating the plates, what does the Lord say he will / should do? v 6
be ordained
go forth and "deliver my words unto the children of men"
How does the Lord say He will provide support for Joseph Smith's testimony of the plates? v11
The testimony of three witnesses --
Why does the Lord say that Joseph Smith shouldn't show the plates to the world? v7-8
--they won't believe
--if people won't believe Joseph's word they won't believe even if they see
--unbelieving and stiffnecked
Who are verses 24-28 about? Look particularly at verse 23
Martin Harris -- the man that desires the witness
Joseph (not Martin) was commanded to do some very specific things. What were they? v21-22
Repent,
walk more uprightly before the Lord,
no more yielding to the persuasions of men,
be firm in keeping the commandments.
Joseph Smith is told to translate a few more pages and then do what? v 30-31, 34
Stop translating until the Lord tells him to start up again. People are waiting to trap him.
"Whosoever believeth on my words, them will I visit with the manifestation of my Spirit. . ."
Who were the three servants of the Lord who were called and ordained to see the plates and testify of them? (Hint: Look right after the Introduction to the Book of Mormon)
Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, Martin Harris
Testify specifically that he knows that what Joseph Smith has seen are true and have been shown to him by the power of God, not man.
Take verse 24 and change it into an "if/then" statement
Something like:
If Martin Harris will pray in humility, faith and sincerity, then the Lord will grand him a view of the plates as he desires.
What should Martin Harris do if he wants to have his prayer / desire to see the plates answered? v24
humble himself
bow down before the Lord in mighty prayer
pray with faith and sincere heart