Donl Peterson comments that while the Lord chose Joseph Smith to preside over this last dispensation of the gospel, Joseph had not been tutored in the schools of his day except to learn a few basic skills. Neither had he been schooled in the religious philosophies of his day. Joseph was pliable clay, ready and willing to be molded by the Master Craftsman. Isaiah reported that the Lord would give the ancient western scripture “to him that is not learned.” Joseph, whom Isaiah saw in vision, would acknowledge:
I am not learned. Then shall the Lord God say unto him: The learned shall not read them for they have rejected them, and I am able to do mine own work; wherefore thou shalt read the words which I shall give unto thee… . For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith. (2 Nephi 27:19-20, 23)
Joseph exercised faith early in his life; consequently, he was introduced to the ultimate schooling that is available to man--God’s way. Joseph once said: “The best way to obtain truth and wisdom is not to ask it from books, but to go to God in prayer, and obtain divine teaching” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, compl. Joseph Fielding Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1976], p. 191).
It is impossible to determine how many heavenly messengers counseled the Prophet Joseph Smith. It is equally difficult to ascertain how often those who have been identified visited him. Moroni appeared over a score of times--probably many more--and he is but one of several dozen angelic beings who further prepared Joseph Smith for his great calling.
Even though the following canon is probably far from complete, it is the most complete list of heavenly personages who appeared to Joseph Smith or who were seen by him in vision that Donl Peterson was able to compile. Realize, again, that some of these great beings appeared several times to the Prophet Joseph.
Personages Who Appeared to Joseph
Personage
References
1. God the Father
JS--H 1:17; History of the Church 1:5; D&C 76:20
2. Jesus Christ
JS--H 1:17; HC 1:5-6; D&C 76:20-24; D&C 110:2-10
3. Moroni
JS--H 1;30-49; Journal of Discourses, 17:374
4. Elijah
D&C 110:13-16; JD 23:48
5. John the Baptist
D&C 13; HC 1:39-40
6-8. Peter, James, John
D&C 128:20; HC 1:40-42; JD 18:326
9. Adam (Michael)
HC 3:388; D&C 128:21; HC 2:380; JD 18:326, 21:94; 23:48; D&C 107:53-57; JD 9:41
10. Noah (Gabriel)
D&C 128:21; JD 21:94, 23:48
11. Raphael
D&C 128:21
12. Moses
D&C 110:11; JD 23:48; 21:65
13. Elias
D&C 110:12; JD 23:48
14. Abraham
JD 21:94, 23:48
15. Isaac
JD 21:94
16. Jacob
JD 21:94
17. Enoch
JD 21:65, 94; HC 3:388; D&C 107:53-57
18-27. The Twelve Jewish Apostles (Peter, James, and John are already counted above.)
JD 21:94
28-39. The Twelve Nephite Apostles, including the Three Nephites
JD 21:94
40. Nephi
JD 21:161
41. Seth
JD 21:94; HC 3:388; D&C 107:53-57
42. Methuselah
JD 18:325; HC 3:388; D&C 107:53-57
43. Enos
JD 18:325; HC 3:388; D&C 107:53-57
44. Mahalaleel
JD 18:325; HC 3:388; D&C 107:53-57
45. Jared (Bible)
HC 3:388; D&C 107:53-57
46. Lamech
JD 18:325
47. Abel
JD 18:325; HC 3:388
48. Cainan
HC 3:388; D&C 107:53-57
49. Zelph the Lamanite
Times and Seasons 6:788
50. Alvin Smith, Joseph’s deceased brother
HC 2:380
51. Mormon
JD 17:374
[H. Donl Peterson, Moroni: Ancient Prophet Modern Messenger, p. 139-141]