Nephi went among the people, teaching the gospel and calling
them to repentance. This angered the people. Laman and Lemuel made this point
clear when they told Nephi, “Thou hast declared unto us hard things, more than
we are able to bear.” (1 Nephi 16:1).
His words were spoken with great power. His faith was so
strong “angels did minister unto him daily” (3 Nephi 7:18). “And this he did
that he himself might go forth among his people, or among the people of Nephi,
that he might preach the word of God unto them, to stir them up in remembrance
of their duty, and that he might pull down, by the word of God, all the pride
and craftiness and all the contentions which were among his people, seeing no
way that he might reclaim them save it were in bearing down in pure testimony
against them” (Alma 4:19)
“Many years ago a certain group of worthy priesthood holders
taught with great power and authority. One of them was so powerful that it was
impossible not to believe his words. These priesthood holders helped the people
learn about the Savior and His doctrine and helped them find happiness. Their
teachings and examples provided a means whereby the people experienced a mighty
change of heart. We learn that thousands were led by them to be baptized and
make covenants to endure to the end. I am speaking about the great Book of
Mormon missionaries who were powerful priesthood holders”[1]
“In this momentous season of the earth’s history, you and I as
bearers of the priesthood need to be righteous men and effective instruments in
the hands of God. We need to rise up as men of God. You and I would do well to
learn from and heed the example of Nephi, the grandson of Helaman and the first
of the twelve disciples called by the Savior at the beginning of His ministry
among the Nephites. “And [Nephi] did minister many things unto them. … And
Nephi did minister with power and with great authority.”[2]
In the name of Jesus, he cast out devils. “When the even was
come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast
out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick” (Matthew 8:16).
“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he
gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all
manner of sickness and all manner of disease” (Matthew 10:1).
“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name
shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues” (Mark 16:17).
“And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and
Paul I know; but who are ye” (Acts 19:15).
In passing, Mormon tells us Nephi also raised the dead. He
refers to Nephi’s brother, Lehi, having been stoned and killed by the people. He
then uses Lehi as an example of someone whom Nephi raised from dead.
People witnessed Nephi’s works. Nephi’s power continued to
anger the people, nevertheless, he continued performing miracle in the name of
Jesus.[3]
Thirty-one years had passed away since the Savior’s birth.
While most of the people were wicked, there were some who were converted. They
testified, through the power of the Spirit and their faith, about the Savior.
Those who had accepted Nephi’s teaching also went forth,
exercising their power and also did miracles among the people. The people’s response was similar to the
response when the Savior forgave a man with palsy of his sins. “But that ye may
know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the
sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way
into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth
before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying,
We never saw it on this fashion” (Mark 2:10-12).
“For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of
many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were
lame [GR paralytic and lame], were healed” (Acts 8:7).
Nephi continued preaching through the thirty-third year
after the Savior’s birth.
Mormon emphasizes the requirement of baptism by writing, “24
Now I would have you to remember also, that there were none who were brought
unto repentance who were not baptized with water” (3 Nephi 7:24).
Nephi ordained men to assist him in the ministry. They were given the authority to baptize the
righteous. They continued preaching to
the people through the end of the thirty-third year.
[1] Becoming
More Powerful Priesthood Holders, Elder Walter F. González, October 2009
General Conference.
[2] The
Powers of Heaven, Elder David A. Bednar, April 2012 General Conference.
[3] Mormon would later testify, “And now it came to pass
that according to our record, and we know our record to be true, for behold, it
was a just man [Nephi3] who did keep the record—for he truly did
many miracles in the name of Jesus; and there was not any man who could do a
miracle in the name of Jesus save he were cleansed every whit from his iniquity”
(3 Nephi 8:1).
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