The Seventy

During His earthly ministry, the Savior called twelve apostles. This calling is commonly known amongst the several christian denominations, though the understanding that their calling served as the imperative foundation of the organizational structure of His church has eluded common christian understanding. Following the establishment of the Twelve in their calling to the Apostleship, Christ expanded the structure of the now embryotic church by calling "other Seventy".

The calling of the Seventy, like the calling of the Twelve, came with it a set of instructions. The Seventh were called to a calling not unlike the Twelve. They were sent forth, two by two, without taking money or supplies. They were to teach all who would listen to them, heal the sick, cast out devils, and have power against the serpents and scorpions of the world. While promises and stories have been made and given about holy men suffering no ill consequences. But I believe that the serpents and scorpions are given primarily to represent the Lucifer and their enemies in the world.

As given in the sixth article of faith of the Church, we believe in the same church that existed primitively. This required having the office of the Seventy in the church organization. Their call to heal the sick, cast out devils, and proclaim the gospel required that they have the priesthood. That required the restoration so that the priesthood could be used again on earth.

Both ancient and modern scripture have told us that the office of Seventy has long been a calling. The office to which Steven was called, the office of Seventy, was one that the Savior has spoken about and clarified on numerous occasions. He spoke repeatedly of it in the Doctrine and Covenants. They are to go to where the Apostles are not able to go. They are to witness of Christ, and officiate in the ordinances of salvation.

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