Duties of the Seventy
Doctrine and Covenants 107:25, 34, 93–98
25 The Seventy are also called to preach the gospel, and to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling. . . .
34 The Seventy are to act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Twelve or the traveling high council, in building up the church and regulating all the affairs of the same in all nations, first unto the Gentiles and then to the Jews . . .
93 And it is according to the vision showing the order of the Seventy, that they should have seven presidents to preside over them, chosen out of the number of the seventy;
94 And the seventh president of these presidents is to preside over the six;
95 And these seven presidents are to choose other seventy besides the first seventy to whom they belong, and are to preside over them;
96 And also other seventy, until seven times seventy, if the labor in the vineyard of necessity requires it.
97 And these seventy are to be traveling ministers, unto the Gentiles first and also unto the Jews.
98 Whereas other officers of the church, who belong not unto the Twelve, neither to the Seventy, are not under the responsibility to travel among all nations, but are to travel as their circumstances shall allow, notwithstanding they may hold as high and responsible offices in the church.
President James E. Faust said:
“The Lord said of the Seventy:
“‘The Seventy are also called to preach the gospel, and to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling. . . .
“‘The Seventy are to act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Twelve or the traveling high council, in building up the church and regulating all the affairs of the same in all nations, first unto the Gentiles and then to the Jews’ (D&C 107:25, 34).
“The Twelve Apostles are the ‘special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world, thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling’ (D&C 107:23). The Lord said they are ‘being sent out, holding the keys, to open the door by the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ’ (D&C 107:35). The Twelve are the legates of the Lord.
“The First Presidency have the ultimate responsibility for the affairs of the kingdom of God on the earth.”
(“Responsibilities of Shepherds,” Ensign, May 1995, 47.)