Historical Context of Section 18

Section 18 of the Doctrine and Covenants, given in the summer of 1829, discusses significant developments in the early church, notably the translation of the Book of Mormon and the establishment of its foundational framework. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, having faced persecution during their translation efforts in Harmony, Pennsylvania, relocated to Fayette, New York, where they completed the translation. This section focuses on the roles of Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer as witnesses and significant figures in the church's organization. Additionally, it foreshadows the eventual formation of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, highlighting the early leadership calls that were yet to come.