Paul taught that “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Joseph Smith elaborated on this principle when he taught “Faith comes by hearing the word of God through the testimony of the servants of God; that testimony is always attended by the Spirit of prophecy and revelation” (Teachings, p. 148). That testimony may be borne by mortals or by angels. In the earliest ages of the world, “the Gospel began to be preached, from the beginning, being declared by holy angels sent forth from the presence of God, and by his own voice, and by the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Moses 5:58; compare D&C 20:35).