Alma 6
People in this chapter
Alma has just finished his sermon to the church in Zarahemla. This short chapter shows what followed. Alma ordained priests and elders to watch over the church (v. 1). Those outside the church who repented were baptized, and members who stayed lifted up in the pride of their hearts were removed from its records (vv. 2-3).
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Alma 6:1-4Setting the Church in Order
1And now it came to pass that after Alma had made an end of speaking unto the people of the church, which was established in the city of Zarahemla, he ordained priests and elders, by laying on his hands according to the order of God, to preside and watch over the church. 2And it came to pass that whosoever did not belong to the church who repented of their sins were baptized unto repentance, and were received into the church.
After his sermon, Alma ordained priests and elders by the laying on of hands to lead and watch over the church. People who repented were baptized and joined the church.
3And it also came to pass that whosoever did belong to the church that did not repent of their wickedness and humble themselves before God—I mean those who were lifted up in the pride of their hearts—the same were rejected, and their names were blotted out, that their names were not numbered among those of the righteous. 4And thus they began to establish the order of the church in the city of Zarahemla.
Members who would not repent of their pride were removed from the church's records. This is how the order of the church was set up in Zarahemla.
Alma 6:5-6Gather Together Oft
5Now I would that ye should understand that the word of God was liberal unto all, that none were deprived of the privilege of assembling themselves together to hear the word of God. 6Nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God.
Everyone was welcome to come and hear the word of God. Church members were commanded to meet often and to fast and pray for people who did not yet know God.
Alma 6:7-8Alma Goes to Gideon
7And now it came to pass that when Alma had made these regulations he departed from them, yea, from the church which was in the city of Zarahemla, and went over upon the east of the river Sidon, into the valley of Gideon, there having been a city built, which was called the city of Gideon, which was in the valley that was called Gideon, being called after the man who was slain by the hand of Nehor with the sword. 8And Alma went and began to declare the word of God unto the church which was established in the valley of Gideon, according to the revelation of the truth of the word which had been spoken by his fathers, and according to the spirit of prophecy which was in him, according to the testimony of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who should come to redeem his people from their sins, and the holy order by which he was called. And thus it is written. Amen.
Alma left Zarahemla and went to the city of Gideon. It was named after Gideon, a faithful teacher who had been killed by Nehor.
Research trail
Sources & further study
These references support the historical, linguistic, manuscript, and contextual notes in this chapter. Scripture remains the primary text; external sources are provided so readers can inspect the research directly.
- Ordain, OrdinationBeing appointed or given authority by the laying on of hands, as Alma does in verse 1.
- Fast, FastingGoing without food and drink to draw near to God, the practice commanded in verse 6.
- Gideon (Book of Mormon)The faithful Nephite after whom the city and valley of Gideon were named (v. 7).
- PrideScriptures on pride, the reason some were removed from the church in verse 3.
Where this echoes in Scripture
Setting the Church in Order
- Moroni 3:1-4They laid their hands upon them… and they ordained them by the power of the Holy Ghost.
- Mosiah 26:36Those that would not confess their sins and repent of their iniquity… their names were blotted out.
- Acts 14:23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord.
- Articles of Faith 1:5A man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority.
Gather Together Oft
- Moroni 6:5The church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.
- 2 Nephi 26:26Hath he commanded any that they should depart out of the synagogues, or out of the houses of worship? Behold, I say unto you, Nay.
- Hebrews 10:25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.
- D&C 88:76I give unto you a commandment that ye shall continue in prayer and fasting from this time forth.
Alma Goes to Gideon
- Alma 1:7-9The man withstood him, admonishing him with the words of God. Now the name of the man was Gideon.
- Revelation 19:10The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
- Mosiah 22:3-9Gideon went forth and stood before the king.Gideon's plan to deliver Limhi's people from bondage.
- D&C 76:22-23This is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!