When was there no Priesthood on earth?

[_Dakotah]

Joseph Smith 'restored' the Church, receiving the Priesthood from Peter, James and John. This because it had to be 'restored ' to the earth and he needed it to officiate in ordinances and lead the group.

What happened to John the Beloved and the Three Nephites, Apostles all, capable of bestowing the Priesthood and even organizing a first presidency and a church. Where were they in all this 'restoration of something that was never taken away'?

Per the teachings the Priesthood was not on the earth. Per the scriptures, it was never taken from the earth as long as one holder was here with it. With these Apostles we had four holders here the whole time.

Why was a 'restoration' needed?

[_Dr. Shades]

Good question!

Here's another good question: Joseph Smith stated that Peter, James, and John came to earth in their resurrected states to restore the priesthood. But Joseph Smith also stated that John was "translated" and still wanders the earth in a mortal, though undying, state.

So, which is it? Is John a resurrected or a translated being?

[_Inconceivable]

Good question!

Here's another good question: Joseph Smith stated that Peter, James, and John came to earth in their resurrected states to restore the priesthood. But Joseph Smith also stated that John was "translated" and still wanders the earth in a mortal, though undying, state.

So, which is it? Is John a resurrected or a translated being?

If John's translation is only half as flawed as say, the Book of Abraham, not only is he wandering, but he may even be lost on another planet.

[_LifeOnaPlate]

Joseph Smith 'restored' the Church, receiving the Priesthood from Peter, James and John. This because it had to be 'restored ' to the earth and he needed it to officiate in ordinances and lead the group.

What happened to John the Beloved and the Three Nephites, Apostles all, capable of bestowing the Priesthood and even organizing a first presidency and a church. Where were they in all this 'restoration of something that was never taken away'?

Per the teachings the Priesthood was not on the earth. Per the scriptures, it was never taken from the earth as long as one holder was here with it. With these Apostles we had four holders here the whole time.

Why was a 'restoration' needed?

If I understand correctly, the Priesthood as an organized and full organization was lost during the apostasy. I wouldn't be surprised to find small factions of a priesthood of which we don't have record. Either way, Peter, James and John were the "key-holders" chosen to restore the keys. Remember that Elijah, Moses and others also returned with keys of the dispensations which they led.

As for Dr. Shade's point, I don't recall seeing Smith claim Peter James and John were all resurrected beings when they appeared. The slight difference between a translated being and a resurrected being seem to make Dr. Shade's assertion nothing more than splitting straws.

[_Dakotah]

Why would PJJ have to come down when the authority was already here in the form of four apostles? The authority was never off the earth in the first place.

[_Inconceivable]

Why would PJJ have to come down when the authority was already here in the form of four apostles? The authority was never off the earth in the first place.

Tenure?

[_The Nehor]

It could have been off the Earth. John has been among the Ten Tribes but he may have left many times. The Three Nephites never had the extent of their ministry defined in extant scripture. We don't know if they are on the Earth despite how many times 3 nice young men have helped a woman replace a tire on a road in Utah.

Why would they come down? Maybe John didn't have to come down. It was off the Earth in the sense that no one was receiving it. I have no idea how many angels visited in the time of the Apostasy. Jesus may have come. All probably hold Priesthood. If the Spirit World is in some sense the same as the Earth as some have said then every Priesthood Holder is still here.

I find it funny that some complain as to why Peter, James, and John came to restore the Priesthood when there was still Priesthood on the Earth....with John and others.

The key focus of the Restoration though is not just the Priesthood but the Keys of the Priesthood.

[_Inconceivable]

The key focus of the Restoration though is not just the Priesthood but the Keys of the Priesthood.

Seriously, I cannot argue that. Makes near perfect sense.

The only reason why I might disagree with you is that I no longer share the same perspective on keys, power, authority and priesthood with you.

[_Jason Bourne]

Good question!

Here's another good question: Joseph Smith stated that Peter, James, and John came to earth in their resurrected states to restore the priesthood. But Joseph Smith also stated that John was "translated" and still wanders the earth in a mortal, though undying, state.

So, which is it? Is John a resurrected or a translated being?

Reference please where Joseph Smith posited such conflicting statements.

[_Dakotah]

"I find it funny that some complain as to why Peter, James, and John came to restore the Priesthood when there was still Priesthood on the Earth....with John and others."

Not complaining, just asking why something that was never lost had to be restored? A normal question if you take as truth that these guys were here ministering through the centuries. They all had the 'keys' by virtue of their callings. If so, why would there really be a need for a restoration?