“The voice of Peter, James, and John in the wilderness between Harmony, Susquehanna county, and Colesville, Broome county, on the Susquehanna river, declaring themselves as possessing the keys of the kingdom, and of the dispensation of the fulness of times!” — Joseph Smith Jr.1
Simon Peter, James the son of Zebedee, and John the Beloved were three of Jesus Christ's apostles who witnessed His ministry.2 These three were the only people present on the Mount of Transfiguration3 and were given priesthood keys at that time.4 After Christ left, they were instrumental in leading the early church.5
In 1829, Peter, James, and John appeared to Joseph Smith as resurrected men. They conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood to Joseph and Oliver Cowdery and ordained them both as apostles.6 They also gave Joseph the keys for the dispensation of the gospel for the last times.7 The exact date of this event is unknown, but it likely happened in the spring of 1829.8
1. Doctrine and Covenants 128:20
3. Mark 9:1-9
4. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, Chapter 8, 105; "Keys of the Priesthood," Ensign, October 2005
5. Acts 2:14-47; Acts 3; Acts 12:1-2; Acts 11
6. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 8, 84;
7. Doctrine and Covenants 27:12-13
8. "Restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood," churchofjesuschrist.org