D&C 25:15 within the larger context of
the revelation to the “elect lady”
D&C 25 is one of the shorter revelations found in the
Doctrine and Covenants and as such its content is fairly straightforward and
easy to summarize. Emma Smith is exhorted to walk in the paths of virtue (25:2)
and to provide support for her husband in various ways (25:5-6). In relation to
this latter duty, Emma is instructed to compose a collection of “sacred hymns .
. . to be had in my church” (25:11).
D&C 25:15 is the second last verse in the revelation.
Its placement here, when examined in relation to the context of the verse
itself, provides significant insight into the historical and social context in
which D&C 25 was given. When one compares where the Johannine references in
25:15 are found in the New Testament, one finds that these references occur
towards the end of the Gospel narrative in John when the disciples are about to
face persecution for following Jesus and as such need encouragement to remain
steadfast in their faith. Hence, the usage of this particular Johannine terminology
here towards the end of the revelation suggests that Emma Smith is about to
encounter situations in which she will be persecuted and needs assurance that
she should remain faithful to her calling.
Johannine terminology and references in
D&C 25:15
The exhortation for Emma to “keep my commandments” is
uniquely Johannine with the statement being found towards the end of John’s
Gospel as part of Jesus’ final sermon to his disciples before his passion. In John
14:15, Jesus tells his disciples “if you love me, keep my commandments” (Latin:
si diligitis me mandata mea servate). The commandment to keep the Lord’s
commandments comes shortly after the question posted by Thomas about what
spiritual path the disciples should take, a question which itself reflects fear
and confusion regarding what situations the disciples will encounter (i.e.
persecution) in the future. (Adam Stokes, “’Keep my commandments’: As examination
of Johannine language and theology in Doctrine and Covenants 25:25,” in Reflections
on the Restoration Scriptures [2024], 91-93)
