32 And now it came to pass that Alma began from this time forward to teach the people, and those who were with Alma at the time the angel appeared unto them, traveling round about through all the land, publishing to all the people the things which they had heard and seen, and preaching the word of God in much tribulation, being greatly persecuted by those who were unbelievers, being smitten by many of them. 33 But notwithstanding all this, they did impart much consolation to the church, confirming their faith, and exhorting them with long-suffering and much travail to keep the commandments of God. 34 And four of them were the sons of Mosiah; and their names were Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and Himni; these were the names of the sons of Mosiah.
Mosiah 27:32-34 (Emphasis mine)
The conversion was done. Alma(2) and the sons of Mosiah were now ready to attempt to do all they could to undo the damage they had done. They went out and preached the gospel to the unbelievers, to those who were once their friends and followers. Sadly, these people not only would not accept their words, but also persecuted them harshly for their beliefs.
However, this did not deter them. They continued to confirm “their faith” and to “keep the commandments of God.”
How long did this mission last? If we look at the heading of Chapter 27, we see this covers from about 100-92 B.C. Chapter 28 begins about 92 B.C. It is very possible that the five spent the next eight years preaching the gospel to the people.
Daniel Peterson writes about Alma(2) and authority.
“After his spectacular angelic conversion, it has been claimed, ‘Alma does not wait for an ordination by any human authority.’ Even here, it is possible that Alma the Younger, son of a priest, had already been ordained to some office in the priesthood by the time of his conversion. But it requires no ordination to report a spiritual experience, and this is all that Mosiah 27:32 tells us that he was doing. It is utterly incorrect, however, to cite Alma 5:44, 49, 51 as evidence for the notion that Alma(2) claimed no authority other than a powerful conversion even at a point later in his career, for that very discourse begins with a powerful statement of his own priesthood authority, received through ordination: ‘I, Alma, having been consecrated by my father, Alma, to be a high priest over the church of God, he having power and authority from God to do these things’ (Alma 5:3; cf. Mosiah 29:42).” [1] (Emphasis mine)
35 And they traveled throughout all the land of Zarahemla, and among all the people who were under the reign of king Mosiah, zealously striving to repair all the injuries which they had done to the church, confessing all their sins, and publishing all the things which they had seen, and explaining the prophecies and the scriptures to all who desired to hear them. 36 And thus they were instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their Redeemer. 37 And how blessed are they! For they did publish peace; they did publish good tidings of good; and they did declare unto the people that the Lord reigneth.
Mosiah 27:35-37 (Emphasis mine)
Their mission was to the people who lived in the land of Zarahemla, those who lived under King Mosiah(2)’s rule. They did all they could to repair the damage they caused. Mormon tells us that they were successful in their efforts: “they were instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of truth” (verse 36).
Lynn Wardle tells us the importance of the work Alma(2) and the sons of Mosiah:
“Yet these influential dissenters were reconverted, repented, and dedicated their lives to teaching the people the gospel … Had these dissenters not been reclaimed, the Nephites, Lamanites, and modern church would have been without some of the greatest leaders and teachers of faith of whom we have any record (Alma 4–43).” [2] (Emphasis mine)
[1] Authority in the Book of Mosiah, Daniel C. Peterson, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed February 7, 2012.
[2] Dissent: Perspectives from the Book of Mormon, Lynn D. Wardle, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed February 7, 2012.
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