Historical Context of the Doctrine and Covenants

The Doctrine and Covenants begins with a significant historical context rooted in Joseph Smith's early revelations and the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Initially, the sections were organized based on their importance rather than chronology, with section 1 being intended as a preface that would outline the purpose of the book. By November 1831, after Joseph Smith relocated his family to Ohio, he had received numerous revelations and was in a crucial period of church development. The decision to compile these revelations into a book called the Book of Commandments would ultimately shape the church's foundational texts and provide guidance for its members.