My blog post for Come Follow Me: D&C 12-13
Excerpt:D&C 12
This is a revelation given to Joseph Knight, one of the early converts to the Church. Imagine what it must have been like back in 1829, when most churches no longer believed in continuing revelation, angels, etc. Here was 24 year old Joseph Smith claiming to be a prophet, and revelation was again on the earth. Consider how the early followers would have understood concepts such as “establish the cause of Zion,” “knock and it shall be opened to you,” or as in last week’s lesson on Hyrum Smith’s revelation in section 11, “become the sons of God.”
Their understanding was very limited. Even Joseph Smith, at this time, would not have comprehended the enormity of the work ahead: publishing the Book of Mormon, receiving priesthood and keys, building temples and cities.
https://joelsmonastery.blogspot.com/2021/02/come-follow-me-d-12-13.html