Section 28 is a hidden gem as it clearly lays the distinction between the role of the president of the church (in this case, Joseph) compared to an apostle who is likewise a prophet, seer, and revelator. (The church did not have any called apostles at this time but the role outlined for Oliver here is comparable to what apostles are authorized to do ever since.)
Behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting {the president of the church}.
And thou shalt be obedient unto the things which I shall give unto him, even as Aaron, to declare faithfully the commandments and the revelations (which the president has shared), with power and authority unto the church.
And if thou art led at any time by the Comforter to speak or teach … unto the church, thou mayest do it.
But thou shalt not write by way of commandment, but by wisdom;
Doctrine & Covenants 28:2-5
They both have revelations but only the prophet says, in essence, “thus saith the Lord” for the church. The apostles diligently support what the Lord says through the prophet and may expound upon it but a genuine change of course in any degree will be declared by the president of the church before I can be treated like a commandment. If apostles say anything that seems like a new direction it is only to be taken as wise counsel as opposed to a commandment.
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