1 HEARKEN, O ye people of my church; for verily I say unto you that these things were spoken unto you for your profit and learning. [ These instructions are givene to the church as a group so that the members may understand; or have reference as to why some things may be doen one way or another. So the Lord is saying I will teach the correct principle here but make sure that you take note of the next verse as well - which says that it is the elders responsibility to do what is required to direct the meeting by the spirit. ]

2 But notwithstanding those things which are written, [ Now, reading this revelation in the Doctrine & Covenants no understanding can be had from it as to what "things" are referred to in this opening paragraph, that are "spoken for your profit and learning, "but when we learn, as we do from the footnote (p. 163, Vol. 1, Church History) that "in the beginning of the Church, while yet in her infancy, the disciples used to exclude unbelievers, which caused some to marvel and converse of this matter because of the things written in the Book of Mormon" (III Nephi xvii: 22-34); wherein it is learned that the Nephite church was forbidden to exclude unbelievers from their Church gatherings, and sacramental meetings, whereupon it was thought and urged by some that the practice of the Saints in Kirtland was contrary to the revealed will of the Lord respecting this matter; therefore the Saints took the passages from the Book of Mormon to the Prophet and desired to know the will of the Lord respecting this custom. "Therefore the Lord deigned to speak on this subject, that his people might come to understanding, and said that he had always given to his Elders to conduct all meetings as they were led by the Spirit." (History of the Church, note, p. 163.) Knowing these circumstances the whole matter becomes perfectly plain. We know what is meant when the revelation starts out by saying, "These things were spoken unto you for your profit and learning," etc. As it is in this case so it is in many others, the clear understanding of the revelation depends on knowing the circumstances which called forth the revelation. (B.H. Roberts, The Seventy's Course in Theology, p.146) ] it always has been given to the elders of my church from the beginning, and ever shall be, to conduct all meetings as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit.

3 Nevertheless ye are commanded never to cast any one out from your public meetings, [ See also 2 Ne. 26:25-33 and 3 Ne. 18:22-34. Verses 3 and 5-6 deal with non-members who are honestly interested. ] which are held before the world.

4 Ye are also commanded not to cast any one who belongeth to the church out of your sacrament meetings; nevertheless, if any have trespassed, [ In the case of those who are members who have "trespassed", what does "trespass" mean? In the KJV the Greek term "paraptoma", most literally translated to "beside-fall" meaning "that which wounds the feelings", is rendered "fall" twice, "fault" twice, "offence" 7 times, "sin" 3 times, and "trespass" 9 times. Compare Matt 6:14, Rom. 4:25, Eph. 2:1, Colos. 2:13. This suggests the term "trespass" has general application to anything from interpersonal offenses to serious commandment breaking. ] let him not partake until he makes reconciliation. [ For those who have make offenses they should be reconciled following the instructions in D&C 42:88-92. Reconciliation comes from Latin roots re, meaning “again”; con, meaning “with”; and sella, meaning “seat.” Reconciliation, therefore, literally means “to sit again with.” ]

5 And again I say unto you, ye shall not cast any out of your sacrament meetings who are earnestly seeking the kingdom— I speak this concerning those who are not of the church. [ So in other words those who are not members who are trying to learn should be allowed to remain. However; he qualify's this further by suggesting that those who are members may at times need to be restrained from attending. Specifically those who may be trying to do harm from within. ]

6 And again I say unto you, concerning your confirmation meetings, that if there be any that are not of the church, that are earnestly seeking after the kingdom, ye shall not cast them out.

7 But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; [ See how to do that as defined in verse 28-33. ] and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils. [ Not all manifestations or mystical things are automatically of God, cp. D&C 50. The adversary as well as self-promoting men will willing try to deceive people using false signs and mystical trickery. The best way to expose fraud and clear yourself of it is simply to maintain pure desires, a godly walk, pray over things, and considering the "end of your salvation" (i.e., a warning that the ends do not justify the means). If anyone or anything comes to you advocating behavior that is contrary to that of a godly walk, then you know it is false, cp. v. 28-33. ]

8 Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; [ The gifts are one area where Satan likes to use to deceive us by fainting the gifts of God. They appear to be of God sometimes but are only there to hijack us. ] and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, [ What kind of gifts should a person seek? President George Q. Cannon provided this counsel: If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make them perfect. Have I imperfections? I am full of them. What is my duty? To pray to God to give me the gifts that will correct these imperfections. If I am an angry man, it is my duty to pray for charity, which suffereth long and is kind. . . . No man ought to say, “Oh, I cannot help this; it is my nature.” He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to give strength [is] to correct these things, and to give gifts that will eradicate them . . . for this purpose he gives these gifts, and bestows them upon [those] who seek after them, in order that they may be a perfect people upon the face of the earth, notwithstanding their many weaknesses.” Millennial Star, April 23, 1894, 56:260–61. ] always remembering for what they are given;

9 For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts. [ When we receive a gift from the Lord we are not to brag about it; tell everyone for the purpose of elevating ourself. These gifts are given so the individual may be of service to others, and not so that the individual may indulge in self-gratification). This is the purpose of the elect, cp. v. 29, Mosiah 8:18, Moroni 7:31, D&C 29:4, D&C 93:46. ]

10 And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church.

11 For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.

12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby. [ When someone has a gift and they share that gift them the entire group benefits from that gift. ]

13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know [ Note that a person can do more than believe, they can KNOW Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Ghost. ] that Jesus Christ is the son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.

14 To others it is given to believe on their words, [ Elder Joseph F. Merrill, a scientist by profession, saw the process of gaining faith not just as mystical development but also as demonstrable process, much like the rules of science. He taught: Faith is one of those spiritual gifts that I believe is based on laws. We learn, from the teachings of the Prophet Joseph, that if we get any blessing from heaven, it is because we fulfill the conditions upon which that blessing is based, and that is a truth that not only comes from the mouth of our Prophet, it is also a truth that has been established by scientific research. Every investigator in the field of material science knows that when he fulfills the conditions he can predict the results, and if the conditions vary, then the results will vary, and when the conditions are completely fulfilled the results will be realized completely. So faith is one of those gifts we acquire, that we may cultivate only if we fulfill the conditions upon which faith is based. Conference Report, October 1937, 72. ] that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.

15 And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, [ Paraphrase of Moroni 10:8. Also the phrase “differences of administration” has a connection to a phrase Paul used in Paul's discussion of the “different divisions or courses of service the priests and Levites engaged in the temple service” (1 Corinthians 12:5). As a result we might infer that this gift pertains specifically to an understanding of how priesthood holders should be directed in their duties and responsibilities. ] as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men. [ Only the Savior understands perfectly the conditions in which individuals find themselves, and He suits the mercies to provide everyone with the gifts they need to handle their own personal challenges. Elder David A. Bednar noted, “Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ.” “The Tender Mercies of the Lord,” April 2005 General Conference. ]

16 And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, [ Paraphrase of 1 Cor 12:6 meaning different apportionments of Gods strength. ] whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal.

17 And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom. [ These gifts are also documented in 1Cor. 12 and Moroni 10. Meaning what exactly? Who would this be a blessing to? "Wisdom cannot be disassociated from [the gift of] discernment, but it involves some other factors...Wisdom is sometimes defined as sound judgment and a high degree of knowledge. I define wisdom as being the beneficent application of knowledge in decision. I think of wisdom not in the abstract but as functional. Life is largely made up of choices and determinations...The really vital things in life are relatively few, my brethren and sisters-the body, family, property, and relationship to man and God. You may have wisdom about health, housing, marriage, children, economics, education, and even government if you truly seek it and live for it. The fundamental knowledge which the Church brings to you will bring you understanding. Your testimony, your spirit, and your service will direct the application of your knowledge; that is wisdom. Every man needs it a hundred times a day. Every woman needs it. Every youth needs it. The foolish and the wise are the antipodes of mankind as are the two poles of the earth. The foolish build on the sand; the wise on the rock. The one perishes; the other endures. Thank God for the gift of wisdom." Stephen L. Richards (Conference Report, Apr. 1950, p. 163-64)]

18 To another is given the word of knowledge, [ Meaning what exactly? Who would this be a blessing to? "I determined that among all the gifts that might make one useful to the Lord the gift to teach by the Spirit would be supreme. I came to feel that if one desired it, asked for it, prayed for it, studied, pondered, and earned it, and believed with sufficient faith that he could possess it, the gift would not be withheld from him. "Accordingly I turned to the New Testament to 'associate' with and learn from the Lord, who as a teacher is the ideal. When it came time to submit a subject for a master's thesis, I presented to my committee the proposal that I study the teaching techniques used by Jesus. With some considerable reluctance, they approved the subject. It was a most enlightening experience to 'walk' with Jesus and 'observe' Him teach. Thereafter, I began with all diligence to pattern my teaching efforts after Him. Through this association I came to know Him-Jesus Christ, the son of God, the Only Begotten of the Father-and that He lives. I stand in reverence before Him, with deep regard for what He taught and deep regard for how He taught. It is this knowledge and reverence that can give to us penetrating power. I have tried to develop the gift so deeply desired-the gift to teach by the Spirit." (That All May Be Edified, pp. 5-6) Boyd K. Packer] that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge.

19 And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed;

20 And to others it is given to have faith to heal.

21 And again, to some is given the working of miracles; [ Meaning? Importance? Use/purpose? ]

22 And to others it is given to prophesy; [ Meaning? Importance? Use/purpose? Elder David A. Bednar taught, “Revelations are conveyed in a variety of ways, including, for example, dreams, visions, conversations with heavenly messengers, and inspiration. some revelations are received immediately and intensely; some are recognized gradually and subtly.” Ironically, one of the most misunderstood gifts of the Spirit is the gift of prophecy. Often, Church members are so focused on "The Prophet" that they don't allow anyone else the exercise of this gift. But prophecy is not limited to any priesthood office. In fact, this gift is not at all restricted to holders of the priesthood, for the gifts of the Spirit are not products of the priesthood but products of the Spirit. Therefore, a sister can be just as filled with the spirit of prophecy as a brother. Accordingly, the Bible speaks of prophetesses who regularly operated by this gift (Ex 15:20-22, Judg 4:4, 2 Kgs 22:14-20, Lu 2:36-38). The scriptures speak of many who had the gift of prophecy even though they were not "The Prophet." In the Book of Mormon, Amulek was a missionary, as were the sons of Mosiah and the sons of Alma, yet all of these had the spirit of prophecy (Alma 10:12; 17:3; 43:2). Alma spoke of the entire Nephite nation, saying that they had been highly favored of the Lord, having been visited by the Spirit of God...having the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation (Alma 9:21). In this dispensation, Oliver Cowdery spoke with the tongue of angels after his baptism, for he stood up and prophesied many things which should shortly come to pass (2 Ne 31:13, JS-Hist 1:73). Finally, we need to remember that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Rev 19:10), and that if we are entitled to a testimony of Jesus then we have equal claim on the spirit of prophecy. Moses had hopes that all of his people would receive this gift. He declared, would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them! (Num 11:29) J. Golden Kimball "Patriarchs tell me that prophecy is one of my gifts. It is only my gift through faith and through living up to the precepts of the Gospel of Christ. "I have been told that I should prophesy. I want to say to you Latter-day Saints that to be a prophet of God all fear and all doubt have to leave your mind, and you then open your mouth and God gives you the words." (Conference Report, Oct. 1932, p. 20) Elder John W. Taylor "The gift of prophecy...is not a saving principle; it is a gift. It is to comfort our hearts. It is to give us the testimony of the mind and will of God concerning things which are to come. As Elder [Heber J.] Grant has said, I may prophesy from now till the coming of the son of Man, and if I fail to keep the commandments, I will not be saved in the kingdom of God." (Conference Report, Apr. 1900, p. 26) ]

23 And to others the discerning of spirits. [ Meaning? Importance? Use/purpose? ]

24 And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues; [ Meaning? Importance? Use/purpose? ]

25 And to another is given the interpretation of tongues. [ Meaning? Importance? Use/purpose? ]

26 And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God. [ This is the third time in this section that the Lord has defined the gifts as for the blessing of others vs 8,12,29]

27 And unto the bishop of the church, and unto such [ Those who are given stewardship over another like the Bishop who is identified specifically - ie Home Teacher, Organization president... ] as God shall appoint and ordain to watch over [ Those who are given stewardship over another also receive special gifts to aid them in their callings. ] the church and to be elders unto the church, are to have it given unto them to discern all those gifts lest there shall be any among you professing and yet be not of God.

28 And it shall come to pass that he that asketh in Spirit shall receive in Spirit; [ so how does one ask in the spirit? First they are living in a manner that they will know what to ask for v30]

29 That unto some it may be given to have all those gifts, that there may be a head, in order that every member may be profited thereby.

30 He that [1] asketh in the Spirit asketh according to the will of God; [ Compare with Nephi in Hel. 10:5-6 who was granted that what so ever he asked for would be granted because the Lord knew that he would not ask for anything the was contrary to the will of the Lord.; Compare D&C 18:18, D&C 50:29, D&C 68:3-4] wherefore it is done even as he asketh.

31 And again, I say unto you, all things must be [2] done in the name of Christ, [ i.e. the Priesthood, cp. 3 Ne. 11:25. ] whatsoever you do in the Spirit;

32 And [3] ye must give thanks unto God in the Spirit for whatsoever blessing ye are blessed with.

33 And [4]ye must practise virtue and holiness before me continually. [ As was mentioned earlier in vs 7 if we live this way we will then we will not be deceived. Being "in the Spirit" isn't some mystical experience. It means your walk and desires are reconciled to God's so the Spirit is able to abide with you continually. If it abides with you continually and you listen to it, and do what it says, you will be under its guidance and "in" the Spirit. ] Even so. Amen.

 

[ Historical Material Pertaining to Doctrine & Covenants 46 Excerpt from The Book of John Whitmer In the beginning of the Church, while yet in her infancy, the disciples used to exclude unbelievers, which caused some to marvel, and converse of this matter because of the things that are written in the Book of Mormon. Therefore the Lord deigned to speak on this subject, that his people might come to understanding and said that he had always given to his elders to conduct all meetings as they were led by the Spirit. [text of D&C 46 quoted] (John Whitmer, The Book of John Whitmer, chapter 4, paragraph 2) ]