1 Nephi 10:17, 22

I’m going to share a thought on authority since Nephi brings it up in 1 Nephi 10:22. While reading this verse I was struck by the thought that Nephi probably had the priesthood. Actually, he definitely had the priesthood or he wouldn’t have been a prophet. But when Nephi writes, “And the Holy Ghost giveth authority that I should speak these things,” it seems that Nephi is offering his conviction that what he has just recorded is important, NOT because he has the priesthood, but because the Holy Ghost has inspired his words and confirmed their truthfulness. Everyone who has been baptized and confirmed has the gift of the Holy Ghost. Everyone who has the gift of the Holy Ghost has access to the power of the Holy Ghost (see 1 Nephi 10:17). You don’t have to have the priesthood to speak with authority by the power of the Holy Ghost.

You can read more about my thoughts on women and the priesthood in my essay Honoring the Title of “Sister.”