On Feb. 14, 1835, the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon (Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris) chose the first Quorum of Twelve Apostles in this dispensation.

Almost a month later, on March 12, 1835, the Prophet Joseph Smith proposed that the apostles begin their first mission through the Eastern States. They unanimously agreed. Two weeks later, the Twelve convened again. The minutes of that meeting, recorded by Elders Orson Hyde and William E. M'Lellin in the History of the Church, Vol. 2, read: "This afternoon March 28, 1835T the Twelve met in council, and had a time of general confession."On reviewing our past course we are satisfied, and feel to confess also, that we have not realized the importance of our calling to that degree that we ought; . . . For all these things we have asked the forgiveness of our heavenly Father; and wherein we have grieved or wounded the feelings of the Presidency, we ask their forgiveness.

"The time when we are about to separate is near, and when we shall meet again, God only knows; we therefore feel to ask of him whom we have acknowledged to be our Prophet and Seer, that he inquire of God for us, and obtain a revelation, (if consistent) that we may look upon it when we are separated, that our hearts may be comforted.

"Our worthiness has not inspired us to make this request, but our unworthiness. We have unitedly asked God our heavenly Father to grant unto us through His Seer, a revelation of His mind and will concerning our duty duringT the coming season, even a great revelation, that will enlarge our hearts, comfort us in adversity, and brighten our hopes amidst the powers of darkness."

Portions of the 107th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants were received as a response to this request by the Twelve. In this section, the Lord gives directives for the organization of the priesthood quorums and also gives further instruction on the duties of the Twelve, the Seventies, high councils, bishops and other Church callings and organizations.

In verse 23, the Lord calls the Twelve Apostles "special witnesses" of Christ. Elder Joseph Fielding Smith explained that verse in Doctrines of Salvation:

"These twelve men are endowed with the power and responsibility to serve as the special witnesses for Christ. They are entitled to have the inspiration and necessary guidance of the Holy Ghost to fit and qualify them for this important mission.

"All men may, by virtue of the priesthood and the gift of the Holy Ghost, become witnesses for Christ. In fact that is just what every elder in the Church should be, but there is a special calling which is given to the twelve special witnesses that separates them from other elders of the Church in the nature of their calling as witnesses.

"These twelve men as a quorumT hold the fulness of authority, keys, and priesthood, to open up the way for the preaching of the gospel to every nation, kindred, and tongue. Others who go forth go under their direction are subject unto them. This work of proselyting is in their hands, and under the counsel of the First Presidency they are called upon to conduct all the affairs of the Church and the preaching of the gospel to every creature."