The first of the “few more things” which Moroni wants to share with us is a glimpse at how the disciples of Jesus received power to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost on others. We read previously that Jesus gave them this power, but that the multitude didn’t hear the words He spoke. (See 3 Nephi 18:37.) Now, Moroni adds to the story by telling us the words Jesus spoke.
Chapter Outline
- Jesus gave His disciples the power to give the Holy Ghost to other people by the laying on of hands (v. 1-3)
My Takeaways
- Priesthood authority is bestowed by the laying on of hands.
- Names are important, including the names of those we serve and the names of God and Jesus Christ.
- We can prepare ourselves to participate in a priesthood ordinance by calling upon God in mighty prayer.
- We need God’s power, not just His authority.
Featured Blog Posts
❖ The gift of the Holy Ghost – Moroni 2:1-3
Laying On of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost
Jesus gave His disciples power to give the Holy Ghost. Moroni clarifies that this was to be done by the laying on of hands, which was also the practice inJerusalem. How amazing that God trusts His children with power to give this divine gift to others!
As He Laid His Hands Upon Them – Moroni 2:1-3
1 The words of Christ, which he spake unto his disciples, the twelve whom he had chosen, as he laid his hands upon them– 2 And he called them by name, saying: Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have power that…
“He Called Them by Name” – Moroni 2:2
There is power in a name. When Jesus taught His twelve disciples how to baptize, He instructed them to call each individual by name as part of the baptism (3 Nephi 11:24). When He subsequently authorized His disciples to bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost, He laid His hands on each of them and…
Ye Shall Call on the Father in My Name – Moroni 2:2
2 And he called them by name, saying: Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for…
Ye Shall Have Power – Moroni 2:2
2 And he called them by name, saying: Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for…
Old Testament Foundations
Call Upon His Name
In Genesis 4 there is a potentially confusing passage. After reporting that Seth had a son named Enos, the author writes, “then began men to call upon the name of the Lord” (Genesis 4:26). Joseph Smith’s revision of this passage adds a critical word: “Then began these men to call upon the name of the Lord,” his version…
All Posts Referencing Moroni 2
- Book of Mormon Elements in Doctrine and Covenants 20 (3/14/2025)
- Laying On of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost (12/4/2024)
- Songs, Sermons, Lessons, and Prayers (9/5/2023)
- Call Upon His Name (1/16/2022)
- “He Called Them by Name” – Moroni 2:2 (12/2/2020)
- Ye Shall Call on the Father in My Name – Moroni 2:2 (11/27/2018)
- Ye Shall Have Power – Moroni 2:2 (6/23/2017)
- As He Laid His Hands Upon Them – Moroni 2:1-3 (6/30/2016)
- After Ye Have Done This Ye Shall Have Power – Moroni 2:2 (12/21/2015)