“Priests and Teachers”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet
Reference to “priests and teachers” in the Book of Mormon should not be confused with the office of priest or the office of teacher as known to us in the Aaronic Priesthood today. It is believed that the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood did not exist among the Nephites unless it was brought during Christ’s visit among them.

“They Should Be Priests and Teachers”

Initially the Nephites did not have the full government of the Church; that would unfold as their numbers warranted it. Nevertheless we observe that the prerogative to teach or preach the gospel was not assumed save one was properly called.

The idea that “a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof” (Articles of Faith 1:5) is equally true in all gospel dispensations. The Lord’s house is always one of order.

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1

References