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

Book of Mormon Commentary
3 Nephi Chapter 13
3 Ne 13:30 And as many as were baptized, did receive the Holy Ghost; and they were cast into prison
by them who did not belong to the church.
But “'the prisons could not hold them, for they were rent in twain, and they were cast down into
the earth" (31). By the power of God the prisoners were delivered, and the persecutors -..could not
dig-pits sufficient to hold them" (32).
Other forms of persecution were practiced: Three times "they were cast into a furnace, and
received no harm" (33). "Twice they were cast into a den of wild beasts" (34). Nevertheless, they
continued to "preach the gospel of Christ unto all people upon the face of the land" (35). Many
were converted (36).
Mormon said he “was about to write the names" of those who were to tarry, "but the Lord
forbade" (38).
Mormon testified that he had seen the three, and added, “They will be among the Gentiles" and the
Jews but would not be recognized (39, 40). ”When the Lord seeth fit in his wisdom, they shall
minister unto all the scattered tribes of Israel. .. and shall bring out of them unto Jesus, many
souls" (41). "They are as the angels of God" (42). Those who reject the words of Jesus and those
whom he bath sent, would be better off had they not been born (47).
3 Ne 13:50 But behold, since I wrote, I have inquired of the Lord, and he hath made it manifest unto
me, that there must needs be a change wrought upon their bodies, or else it needs be that they must taste
of death;
But "this change was not equal to that which should take place at the last day; but there was a
change wrought upon them, insomuch that Satan could have no power over them. ..that the powers
of the earth could not hold them" (52). They were to remain in this transformed state "until the
judgment day of Christ, and ...dwell with God eternally in the heavens" (53).
This information gives considerable light on the phenomenon of life over death. While many
unanswered questions remain, we know that the Lord prepared these men for the service they
desired to do by such a change that old age, with attendant deterioration of mind and body, would
not come to them. Neither Satan nor earthly powers would hinder their ministry.
THE COVENANT WITH ISRAEL TO BE FULFILLED, VER. 54-62
3 Ne 13:54 And now behold, I say unto you, that when the Lord shall see fit, in his wisdom, that these
sayings shall come unto the Gentiles, according to his word, then ye may know that the covenant which
the Father hath made with the children of Israel, concerning their restoration to the lands of their
inheritance, is already beginning to be fulfilled;
The words of the Lord through the prophets shall all be fulfilled, though some will say, "the Lord
delays his coming" (55; II Pet. 3:4,8). This is wishful thinking on the part of those who are not
preparing for his coming. Patience is a rare virtue, and its lack is often accompanied by
discouragement, even backsliding.
"When ye shall see these sayings coming forth among you, then ye need not any longer spurn [or
reject] at the doings of the Lord, for the sword of his justice is in his right hand" (III N. 13:57).