Book of Mormon Commentary CofC - Odessa, Missouri Community ...

Book of Mormon Commentary
Mosiah Chapter 11
UNBELIEVERS PERSECUTE THE CHURCH OF GOD, VER. 105-158
Mos 11:107 And now because of their unbelief, they could not understand the word of God; and their
hearts were hardened.
11:107 This language was particularly applied to those who were too young to enter into a covenant at
the time King Benjamin anointed Mosiah to be his successor (Mos. 4:1-4). They rejected "the tradition
of their fathers" (105) and what had been taught “concerning the resurrection... [and] the coming of
Christ" (106).
Mos 11:111 For it came to pass that they did deceive many with their flattering words, who were in the
church, and did cause them to commit many sins;
11:111 Those who were back-sliding members of the church were brought before Alma the high priest
(113). Alma wanted to turn them over to King Mosiah for judgment, but the king directed Alma to
handle this as a church problem (119, 120). Alma called on the Lord for direction. The Lord spoke to
Alma in commendation, "Because thou hast inquired of me concerning the transgressor, thou art
blessed" (126). He was promised eternal life, and directed to “gather together my sheep" (127).
Mos 11:136 Therefore I say unto you, that he that will not hear my voice, the same shall ye not receive
into my church, for him I will not receive at the last day:
11: 136 Alma was admonished to go and judge the transgressors according to their sins. Those who
would confess and repent in sincerity of heart, he should forgive, "and I will forgive him also" (138).
Laboring with transgressors is an unpleasant and difficult task for ministers to perform. Often it is not
pursued with the vigor needed to redeem the sinner and protect the church from contamination. Those
who will not repent "shall not be numbered among my people" (141). This is usually called "cutting off
from the church." (See D. and C. 41 :2 b; 42:11 a.)
Mos 11:142 And it came to pass when Alma had heard these words, he wrote them down, that he might
have them, and that he might judge the people of that church, according to the commandments of God.
11:142 This church leader was courageous and anxious to do the Lord's will when he understood it. But
he had no pattern to govern his procedures. He did as the Lord directed, cut off the unworthy, and "did
regulate all the affairs of the church" (146). As a result, "they began again to have peace and to prosper
exceedingly in the affairs of the church... receiving many, and baptizing many" (147).
Mos 11:150 And now it came to pass that the persecutions which were inflicted on the church by the
unbelievers, became so great, that the church began to murmur, and complain to their leaders concerning
the matter; and they did complain to Alma.
11:150 They first appealed to Alma, and he "laid the case before their King Mosiah. And Mosiah
consulted with his priests" (150, 151). This resulted in a decree by the king against persecutions. "There
should be an equality among all men; that they should let no pride nor haughtiness disturb their peace;
that every man should esteem his neighbor as himself, laboring with their own hands for their support"
(153, 154).