D&C 135-136 The Martyrdom of Joseph Smith I Come Follow Church History I Lynne Hilton Wilson

Scripture Central

Religion & Spirituality

4.8 • 852 Ratings

🗓️ 20 November 2025

⏱️ 49 minutes

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Summary

In this episode of Come Follow Church History, host Lynne Hilton Wilson sits down with historian Janiece Johnson to explore one of the most pivotal and tragic moments in Latter-day Saint history—the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Together, they uncover the remarkable and turbulent events leading up to June 27, 1844, when Joseph and Hyrum Smith were killed at Carthage Jail. From Joseph Smith’s unprecedented run for President of the United States to the formation of the Council of Fifty, Lynne and Janiece trace how faith, politics, and power collided in Nauvoo. They also examine William Law’s rebellion and infidelity, the publication of the Nauvoo Expositor, and the rising tensions that set the stage for Joseph’s final days.

Transcript

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0:00.0	So Joseph, as he decides that he is going to be a candidate, he creates a platform.
0:07.0	He was a man ahead of his time.
0:09.0	Abolishing slavery, a national bank.
0:12.0	He is a fan of the Native Americans.
0:14.0	Reducing Congressional pay.
0:17.0	So flyers were made, the campaign goes forward, and much to my surprise, Sidney Rigden is the vice president.
0:23.6	They saw a combining together of both religious and political elements.
0:28.6	He came to Joseph and confessed that he had committed adultery.
0:32.6	New revelations, we've got baptism for the dead. There is so much going on in Navu.
0:38.3	Joseph shares one of the most theologically profound sermons.
0:42.3	It gets the name of the King Follett sermon. This just blows away the ideas of creation exnealio.
0:50.3	He is openly advocating for violence. Mr. Jackson being paid now $500 to kill Joseph.
0:58.0	Joseph calls out the militia.
0:59.0	It's not until about midnight that they actually arrive in Carthage.
1:04.0	Blacken faces, torches, and make their way up to the jailer's bedroom.
1:10.0	A bullet goes through the door and hits Hiram first.
1:13.1	Joseph goes to his brother and is shot.
1:22.1	Hello, welcome back to Scripture Central.
1:24.7	I'm Lynn Hilton Wilson here to talk about sections 135 and 136.
1:30.3	We're in the martyrdom of Joseph Smith. We're in 1844. And we are so lucky to be able to have the wonderful and brilliant.
1:39.3	Janice Johnson, welcome.
1:41.3	Thanks, Lynn. It's good to be here.
	...

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