Understanding the Scriptures
3 Nephi 15
| Cast his eyes round about (v. 1) | Looked around |
| Perceived (v. 2) | Knew without anyone saying anything |
| Fold (vv. 17, 21) | Organized flock |
| Manifest (v. 23) | Make known |
3 Nephi 15:2–7—The Fulfillment of the Law of Moses
When Jesus declared that the law of Moses was “fulfilled” and “hath an end,” He was not indicating that the principles and doctrines had ended, but rather that the ceremonies and sacrifices that pointed to His Atonement were ended (see Alma 34:13–14). You have already learned how some of the principles of the law given to Moses were actually expanded in the law of the gospel (see 3 Nephi 12:21–48; see also 3 Nephi 24; 25; D&C 59:5–14). In other words, the way the gospel was practiced under the law of Moses came to an end, but not the basic commandments, principles, and doctrines of the gospel, which exist forever.
3 Nephi 16
| Notwithstanding (v. 8) | Even though |
| Smitten, and … afflicted (v. 9) | Hurt and troubled by others |
| A hiss and a byword (v. 9) | Spoken about in evil ways |
| Deceits (v. 10) | Dishonest practices |
| Mischiefs (v. 10) | Wickedness |
| Priestcrafts (v. 10) | Preaching for money and the praise of others (see 2 Nephi 26:29) |
| Whoredoms (v. 10) | Immoral sexual behavior |
| Watchmen (v. 18) | In ancient times watchmen stood on a tower watching for enemies or messengers (in this case they would be looking for the good news that Zion had been established). |
| Made bare his holy arm (v. 20) | Shown His power |
3 Nephi 16:4–15—The Gentiles
The word gentiles means “nations.” It refers to those not of the house of Israel or who do not believe in the God of Israel. As the term is used in the Book of Mormon, it also refers to those who come from gentile nations, which are all the nations outside the land of Israel, even if they are descendants of Israel by blood (see 1 Nephi 13:13–19; see also Bible Dictionary, “Gentile,” p. 679).
Studying the Scriptures
Do two of the following activities (A–D) as you study 3 Nephi 15–16.
What about the Law of Moses?
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1.
Read Mosiah 13:27–30 and Alma 25:15–16 and the “Understanding the Scriptures” section for 3 Nephi 15:2–7 and summarize what they teach about the law of Moses.
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2.
Summarize what Jesus said about the law of Moses in 3 Nephi 15:2–10.
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3.
Explain what you think Jesus meant in the first sentence of 3 Nephi 15:9.
Be a Missionary
Suppose someone who is not a member of the Church asks you what John 10:16 means.
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1.
Using what you learn from 3 Nephi 15–16, write what you would say to that person.
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2.
What would you say if you were asked, “How can I know that what the Book of Mormon says is true?”
What Is the Lesson?
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1.
According to 3 Nephi 15:11–16:5, why didn’t Jesus’s disciples in Jerusalem know who the “other sheep” were?
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2.
What did the Lord command to ensure that this knowledge would not be lost?
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3.
Suggest two lessons we can learn from this incident.
Prophecies to Be Fulfilled
When the Book of Mormon speaks of Gentiles it is referring to anyone who is not of the house of Israel or who is not from the land of Israel. Even though most members of the Church today are members of the house of Israel by lineage, to the Book of Mormon people we would be considered Gentiles.
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1.
What did the Lord promise to offer the Gentiles (us) in 3 Nephi 16:1–7? Has this prophecy been fulfilled? If so, in what ways?
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2.
What did He say would happen if the Gentiles accepted the offer and what would happen if they refused? (see vv. 8–15). What evidence do you see of any of this happening today?
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3.
What did the Lord promise the descendants of Lehi? (see v. 16).
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