© 1966 Ronald K. Crosby
Alma
Understanding the Scriptures
Mosiah 17
| An accusation against thee (v. 7) | A crime to charge you with |
| Reviled (v. 12) | Insulted, offended |
| Scourged (v. 13) | Beat, whipped |
| Faggots (v. 13) | Bundles of twigs, sticks, or branches |
Mosiah 18
| Ascension (v. 2) | Going up, raised up |
| Resorted thither (v. 5) | Went there |
| Thicket (v. 5) | Thick growth |
| Contention (v. 21) | Arguing, fighting |
| Impart (v. 27) | Give, share |
| Apprised (v. 34) | Told about |
Mosiah 18:13—How Did Alma Get the Authority to Baptize?
President Joseph Fielding Smith taught: “We may conclude that Alma held the priesthood before he, with others, became disturbed with King Noah. Whether this is so or not makes no difference because in the Book of Mosiah it is stated definitely that he had authority [see Mosiah 18:13, 18]” (Answers to Gospel Questions, 3:203).
Mosiah 18:14–15—Can a Person Baptize Himself?
When Alma baptized Helam at the waters of Mormon, he put Helam under the water and he went under the water with him. With the next baptism, Alma only immersed that person and did not go under the water himself. President Joseph Fielding Smith explained: “When Alma baptized himself with Helam that was not a case of Alma baptizing himself, but merely as a token [sign] to the Lord of his humility and full repentance” (Answers to Gospel Questions, 3:203).
Studying the Scriptures
Do activity A or B and one of the other activities (C–E) as you study Mosiah 17–18.
What Did Abinadi Do That Was “Worthy of Death”?
After listening to Abinadi, it took Noah and his priests three days to find an accusation against Abinadi and declare him “worthy of death” (see Mosiah 17:6–8).
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1.
Read Mosiah 17:6–8 and Limhi’s previous explanation in Mosiah 7:26–28. What was their accusation against Abinadi?
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2.
Why do you think Noah and his priests were so angry because of that “crime”?
Write an Eyewitness Account
Mosiah 17:9–20 records the last testimony and prophecy of Abinadi. Study those verses, and then write an account of the event as if you had been there as a reporter for a newspaper. Be sure to explain what Abinadi added in this prophecy to what he had already prophesied about King Noah in Mosiah 12:3.
Give a Modern Example
Before inviting the people to accept baptism, Alma explained to them some of the promises that are made with that covenant.
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1.
In your notebook, make a chart like the one shown here. As you study Mosiah 18:8–10, use the words in parentheses to help you identify the requirement Alma mentioned, the promises we make, and the promises the Lord makes. Fill out the chart with the information you find. You may want to mark and number those promises in your scriptures.
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An Initial Requirement |
What I Promise |
What the Lord Promises |
|---|---|---|
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1. (desirous) |
1. (burdens) |
1. (redeemed) |
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2. (mourn) |
2. (first) |
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3. (comfort) |
3. (eternal) |
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4. (stand) |
4. (Spirit) |
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5. (serve) |
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6. (keep) |
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2.
Select three of the promises that we make at baptism and give a modern example of what they mean in the Church today.
Compare Your Feelings
Mosiah 18:11–16 describes what happened and how the people felt as Alma baptized at the waters of Mormon. In your notebook, write a paragraph describing how you felt at your baptism. How have you seen the Lord’s promises fulfilled in your life? What do you appreciate about your baptism more now than you did then?
Write a Description of a Church Leader
After Alma baptized the people, he needed to organize the Church in the wilderness to care for them. Mosiah 18:18–26 tells about the priests, or Church leaders, that he called.
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1.
Study those verses, and then write a description of the requirements for those Church leaders. (For example: “A Church leader is … and is willing to …”) How are those requirements like those for the calling of a bishop or branch president today?
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2.
Read Mosiah 18:21–30 and write another description of what was expected of the new members.
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3.
Why do you think those people were so happy?
