W. Jeffrey Marsh was an associate professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University when this was written. He has written curriculum materials for seminaries and institutes in the Church Educational System. He has also prepared Melchizedek Priesthood manuals and the current Gospel Doctrine courses of study. He and his wife, Kathie, have conducted Church history and Holy Land tours for BYU Travel Study. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and master's and doctorate degrees from BYU. He served a mission to Frankfurt, Germany, and has had the opportunity to serve as a Gospel Doctrine instructor, bishop, and high councilor. He and Kathie are the parents of six children.