The persecution that started last chapter kept increasing enough to where Mosiah had to make a declaration to stop it (v1-2). They were now bound to not persecute church members and within the church they were directed even stricter to be equal and do things to abound in the grace of God (v3-5). These changes helped peace be regained and The Lord prospered them with becoming weathy and widespread (v6-7).
The princes (sons of Mosiah), were part of that rising generation that didn't believe along with the prophets son Alma the younger! They were just bad, lazy guys that used their influence to lead people into iniquity (v8). They were able to cause a huge disturbance towards the prosperity of the church and actively seeking to destroy the church they took it too far (v9-10).
If you haven't already noticed, we have been talking about Alma in the Book of Mosiah when the Book of Alma is next! Turns out that long book is all written by this jerk of a kid Alma the Younger (AKA Alma jr). In Alma jr's situation, I personally believe he needed to learn the lesson of rebelling against the church to have a true conversion. Just wait till you hear the testimonies he gives! So him and the sons of Mosiah have a rude awakening in v11-12 and are struck with astonishment that they fell onto the ground.
This chastisement came as a voice of thunder that declared The Lord's church will not be overthrown [especially by punk kids like you] (v13). Turns out, Alma jr's dad prayed for this experience to help his son and truly convert him to remembering the things he's been taught (v14-16). The whole group was amazed by the experience and Alma jr became so weak that he couldn't speak or move (v17-19).
When his father heard about all this, he was so happy The Lord answered his prayers that he gathered a bunch of people to hear the story and fast for Alma jr (v20-22). Alma jr woke up 2 days later and immediately bore is strong testimony of the miracle of the change he has gone through (v23-25). He preaches that everyone can have a similar experience and be received by The Lord because, honestly, if a guy like Alma jr can, so can you (v26-29)! Alma jr was truly saved from a dark abyss and knows that Christ will come to earth to be our Saviour and atone for our sins (v30-31).
From that time forth, the gang of miscreants that had the angel appear to them freely told the story to all the people. They did so to convince the ones they had led away of their mistake and hopes to bring them back, but often they were persecuted (v32). They desired to confirm the faith of current members and serve as missionaries throughout Zarahenla (v33-35).
The whole gang consisted of Alma jr, Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni. As they traveled they targeted the young generations to try and prevent another mishap of misunderstandings. After this experience and using their leading talents to be instruments in the hands of God they were blessed (v36-37).
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