Understanding the Scriptures
Alma 23
| Decree (v. 2) | Law, order |
| Free access (v. 2) | Freedom to come and go as they wanted |
| Plunder (v. 3) | Rob |
| Consecrating (v. 4) | Setting apart for a sacred purpose |
| Consulted (v. 16) | Talked, sought the advice |
| Distinguished (v. 16) | Known or identified by |
| Industrious (v. 18) | Hardworking, prosperous |
| Correspondence (v. 18) | Friendly relationship and communication |
Alma 23:17—What Does the Name Anti-Nephi-Lehi Mean?
The name Anti-Nephi-Lehi may mean that the new converts desired to become like Nephi and Lehi and may have chosen a new name that reflected their righteous desires. Studies show that in some languages there is a common root corresponding to the word anti that means “in the face of” or “facing,” like you would face a mirror. It may have a meaning similar to the word imitation. In this light the name Anti-Nephi-Lehies might refer to those who desire to imitate what the descendants of Nephi and Lehi taught (see Daniel H. Ludlow, A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon [1976], 210).
Studying the Scriptures
Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Alma 23.
A True Conversion
Read Alma 23:6–13 and answer the following questions:
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1.
What did the Lamanites who were baptized do that showed they were converted to the Lord?
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2.
Why do you think those Lamanites “never did fall away” (v. 6)?
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3.
What weapons of rebellion against God should people “lay down” today?
Teaching the Gospel
Study Alma 23:4–6 and answer the following questions:
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1.
What did Aaron and his brothers use as a primary source for teaching?
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2.
What power assisted them in their teaching?
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3.
What phrases describe how effective their teaching was?
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4.
What experiences have strengthened your testimony?
Explain Who and Why
Review Alma 23:6–13, 16–18. Explain who the people were who had taken upon themselves the name Anti-Nephi-Lehi and why they were so faithful in keeping the commandments.
