A Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants, Volume 1 and 2

by Stephen E. Robinson

What can latter-day revelation teach us about the vital doctrines of the restored gospel? How can knowing the history of the early days of the Restoration help us understand the future blessings promised to a worldwide Church? Suddenly, we see familiar verses in a new light and with new insights. The authors have drawn from countless sources — original diaries, journals, maps, and atlases — to bring to life the history and doctrine of the Doctrine and Covenants in an easy-to-read format. Throughout the detailed studies, in-depth analysis, and perceptive commentary contained in this remarkable book, the authors' love for the Doctrine and Covenants shines forth. A Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants, invites us to study more deeply the history and doctrine recorded in this vital book of scripture. It is a commentary that rewards us amply for our efforts.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Church

799 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Stephen E. Robinson has taught at Brigham Young University since 1986. He received a B.A. from Brigham Young University in 1971 in English Literature and a PhD from Duke University in 1978 in Biblical Studies. He and his wife, Janet, have six children.

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This commentary was a little more light-weight than what I was hoping for, geared more for the lay reader than the scholar. It had some decent historical background, but this was brief, and the commentary on the verses themselves was rarely particularly insightful. Also, I wished they had presented the verses themselves along with the commentary so it would have been easier to follow along.

I have the next volume and I'm sure I'll get around to reading it someday, but not right away.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mortals are of infinite worth because they have been purchased at an infinite cost.

Endure to the end = to endure in faith is to remain faithful to one's covenants. It does not mean to be sinless or perfect, but to remain loyal and committed.

Truly becoming less worldly requires you to examine your life meticulously and regularly. As you do so the Holy Ghost will prompt you about what is no longer needed, what is no longer worthy of your time and energy...As you embark upon the lifelong process of consecrating your life to the Lord, the changes in your perspective, feelings and spiritual strength will amaze you. ~Russell M. Nelson

These are just three notes that I made in D&C Section 18 after reading A Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants, Vol 1 . This particular collection of commentary was first published more than 20-years ago, which means that more modern references are not included. However, that does not take anything away from the scholars, historians, apostles and prophets that are quoted and referenced.

I am learning much from the experience of reading the Doctrine & Covenants in conjunction with this commentary. One thing which is more difficult to capture in a quote is the deep appreciation I have for the early pioneer members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am so grateful for their efforts and faithfulness in circumstances that are difficult to comprehend.

I'm excited to go on to the next volume.

[Spencer Willardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I inherited these from my Dad, but didn't have access to them until we moved back to the US this year. We are studying the D&C this year in our church curriculum, so this book seemed like a great additional resource. It is! It provides great background for each of the sections and the commentary is useful, insightful, and interesting.

I recommend this to anyone interested in learning more about the modern revelations and the prophet Joseph Smith who received the bulk of them.

[Tosca Wijns-Van Eeden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple overview on the revelations during the time in upstate New York.
Every chapter is a section from the doctrine and covenants. There is a short explanation of the situation in which the revelation was given, then some keywords from verses are highlighted and explained a bit more.

[HatGirl8]

4/19/2025

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before our bishopric asked us, as a ward, to read the Doctrine and Covenants this year, I had already determined to do it, since we are studying it, and I had never actually read it all the way through.

So I picked up this book (which I had, along with a couple of the other volumes--I have all four of them now), along with another book on the Doctrine and Covenants (which I will review when I finish it), and started reading.

This book presents a bit of historical context at the beginning of each section discussed, and then goes, verse by verse, into depth on the section itself, adding insight and relevance to the verses. Sources are cited in endnotes for each section.

We got to section 40 in this book, and I've started the second volume, and I am really enjoying reading about the Doctrine and Covenants in this way, as I read it.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite commentaries on the Doctrine and Covenants. The underlying exegetical approach provides a solid foundation. Too many times Latter-day Saints try to read the Doctrine and Covenants without the critical connections to the "real people" and "real-life situations" tied to these revelations. Thus, they read the Doctrine and Covenants like a modern-day book of 'the Proverbs of Jesus.' Understanding the context for these revelations not only brings them to life but also helps us hear the voice of the Lord connect the revelations more profoundly to our lives! Can't wait to dive into Volume Two!

[Eloise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, which covers Sections 1 through 40, has helped me a great deal as a volunteer institute teacher in my study of the Doctrine and Covenants. Some of the material contained here is available in other resources, but I really like having so much information in one book. The format includes background information on each section and verse-by-verse analysis. I look forward to using the other three volumes in the set.

[Brad Boyce]

For being my 3rd commentary on the D&C I have read, I would put his number two. I am on to Volume 2 and am liking it more and more. Good amount of background and a great amount of applications, not too heavy on either one.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic! It helped me to put the first 40 sections of the D&C into context and I was able to appreciate them so much more because I understood the history behind them. Great scripture reference book!

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed using this reference while reading the Doctrine and Covenants. I especially like the historical preview for each section that Robinson provides. I learned a lot just based on the context that provided.

[goddess · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st of four in a series about the Doctrine and Covenants. There's some interesting facts and tidbits that I didn't know about the early Church and its leaders.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good, easy-to-follow commentary that give new insights not contained in some of the older commentaries - great for a person who is just beginning to "study" the scriptures.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

My study aid to reading the D&C this year. Enjoying a more full historical narrative around the different sections.

[Mark Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The historical background on the sections is great. The commentary is okay. Mostly a superficial look at the verses.

[Tisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed using this while I studied the first 40 sections in the D&C. It had helpful insights and lots of historical information.