“And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.” — Doctrine and Covenants 84:191
In the spring of 1829, Apostles Peter, James, and John appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. 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 the spring of 1829, Apostles Peter, James, and John appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. They conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood to Joseph and Oliver Cowdery and ordained them both as apostles.6 This priesthood was the same as the one God gave to Adam and its full name is the "Holy Priesthood, after the order of the Son of God."7 The three apostles also gave Joseph the keys of the “dispensation of the gospel for the last times; and for the fullness of times.”8
