The Restoration of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods Explained

A concise explanation of the divine authority restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, forming the foundation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 5, 2026

Branched from Harmony, Pennsylvania: A Crucible of Early Latter-day Saint History

Quick take

After a period of perceived loss, divine authority was restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.
The Aaronic Priesthood, restored by John the Baptist, grants authority for ordinances like baptism and the sacrament.
The Melchizedek Priesthood, restored by Peter, James, and John, grants higher authority for leadership, temple ordinances, and conferring the Holy Ghost.
These restorations are foundational to the organization and functioning of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today.

In the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods are divine authorities from God, restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in 1829. These restorations were seen as essential for re-establishing Christ's Church on earth with the necessary power to perform sacred ordinances and lead the congregation.

The Aaronic Priesthood: Preparation and Basic Ordinances

The first priesthood to be restored was the Aaronic Priesthood. This event occurred on May 15, 1829, near Harmony, Pennsylvania. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, seeking understanding about baptism for the remission of sins as they translated the Book of Mormon, knelt in prayer. In response, John the Baptist, a resurrected being, appeared to them as a messenger from God.

John the Baptist laid his hands upon their heads and conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, the gospel of repentance, and baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. This authority allowed them to baptize each other, marking a significant step in the re-establishment of divine power on Earth.

The Melchizedek Priesthood: Higher Authority and Church Leadership

Shortly after the Aaronic Priesthood restoration, and sometime between May 15, 1829, and April 1830, the higher Melchizedek Priesthood was restored. This restoration involved the ancient Apostles Peter, James, and John, who appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the wilderness near the Susquehanna River.

The Melchizedek Priesthood is considered the greater priesthood because it holds the keys to all spiritual blessings of the Church, including the authority to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost, ordain others to the priesthood, administer temple ordinances, and preside over and govern the Church. Its restoration completed the necessary divine authority for the organization and full functioning of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Why These Restorations Matter

The restoration of both the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods is fundamental to the theology and practice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members believe that without this direct, authorized conferral of divine power, essential ordinances like baptism, confirmation, and temple endowments could not be performed with eternal validity. These priesthoods provide the authority to act in God's name, lead the Church, and bless families and individuals, ensuring that His Church operates with His power and direction. It signifies a renewed covenant between God and humanity in these latter days.

Key Differences

**Aaronic Priesthood:** Focuses on preparatory ordinances like baptism and the sacrament. Often held by younger men and deacons, teachers, and priests.
**Melchizedek Priesthood:** Encompasses all higher spiritual authority, including the gift of the Holy Ghost, temple ordinances, and Church leadership. Held by elders, seventies, and high priests.

Are these priesthoods still active today?

Yes, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods are active and continuously exercised today. Worthy male members of the Church, starting at age 11, can receive the Aaronic Priesthood, and at age 18, the Melchizedek Priesthood, through ordination.

Who can hold these priesthoods?

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, these priesthoods are conferred upon worthy male members, typically beginning with the Aaronic Priesthood at age 11, and the Melchizedek Priesthood at age 18. Women serve in various leadership and teaching capacities but do not hold priesthood office.

Why were two separate priesthoods restored?

The two priesthoods serve different, complementary functions. The Aaronic Priesthood prepares individuals through repentance and basic ordinances, while the Melchizedek Priesthood provides the higher authority necessary for spiritual blessings, temple work, and governing the Church, leading to a fuller spiritual development and organization.

What does 'priesthood' mean in this context?

In this context, 'priesthood' refers to the power and authority of God given to worthy individuals to act in His name for the salvation of humanity. It's not a social status but a divine commission to serve and administer sacred ordinances.