# Alma 1

*Paraphrase*

In the first year that judges ruled the Nephites, King Mosiah died. He’d lived a good life, walked closely with God, and left no heir to take the throne. But he’d established laws, and the people had agreed to follow them. So they were bound by those laws.

### Nehor and the Rise of Priestcraft

That first year of Alma’s time as chief judge, a man was brought before him for trial—a big man, known for his strength. He’d been traveling around preaching what he called God’s word, attacking the church. He told people that priests and teachers should be popular celebrities, that they shouldn’t have to work for a living but should be supported by the people. He also taught that everyone would be saved in the end. No need to fear or worry—just lift your heads high and celebrate! After all, the Lord created everyone and has redeemed everyone. Eventually, everyone gets eternal life. He preached this message so much that many believed him. They started supporting him financially. His pride swelled. He began wearing expensive clothes and even started his own church based on his teachings.

### The Murder of Gideon

One day, while heading to preach to his followers, he ran into a teacher from God’s church. He argued fiercely with him, trying to pull church members away. But the man stood firm, challenging him with God’s word. This man’s name was Gideon. He was the same one God had used to rescue Limhi’s people from captivity. When Gideon confronted him with God’s word, the man flew into a rage. He drew his sword and struck at Gideon. Gideon was old and couldn’t defend himself. The sword killed him. Church members seized the killer and brought him to Alma to face judgment.

Standing before Alma, the man defended himself boldly. But Alma said, “This is the first time we’ve seen priestcraft among our people. You’re not just guilty of priestcraft—you tried to force it on others with a sword. If priestcraft takes root here, it will destroy us. You’ve killed a righteous man who did much good for our people. If we let you go, his blood will cry out against us for justice. So you’re sentenced to death, according to the law King Mosiah gave us. The people have accepted that law, so we must follow it.” They took him away. His name was Nehor. They led him to the top of Hill Manti, where—between heaven and earth—he admitted that what he’d taught contradicted God’s word. There he died a shameful death.

### False Teachers and Persecution

But that didn’t stop priestcraft from spreading. Many people loved worldly status and wealth. They went around preaching false teachings for money and honor. Still, they didn’t dare lie openly—liars were punished under the law. So they claimed to preach what they truly believed. And the law couldn’t punish someone just for their beliefs. They didn’t steal—thieves were punished. They didn’t rob or murder either—murderers faced execution.

But those outside God’s church began persecuting believers—those who’d taken Christ’s name. They harassed and mocked them endlessly, targeting their humility. The believers weren’t arrogant. They shared God’s word freely with each other, never charging a cent.

The church had a strict rule: no member could persecute non-members, and there was to be no persecution within the church itself. Even so, some church members grew proud. They argued hotly with their critics, even coming to blows. They’d actually punch each other. This was in Alma’s second year as judge. It caused serious problems for the church—a real test. Many people’s hearts hardened. Their names were erased from the church records, forgotten among God’s people. Others simply left. For those who stayed faithful, it was a severe trial. But they remained steady and unmoved, keeping God’s commands and enduring persecution patiently.

### Equality in the Church

When the priests took time away from work to teach God’s word, the people also left their work to listen. After hearing the teaching, everyone went back to their jobs. The priests never acted superior to their listeners. Preachers were no better than hearers, teachers no better than learners. Everyone was equal, and everyone worked as hard as they could. They shared what they had—each person giving according to what they owned—to help the poor, needy, sick, and suffering. They didn’t wear expensive clothes, but they dressed neatly and appropriately. This is how they ran the church. And despite ongoing persecution, they found lasting peace again.

### Prosperity Through Righteousness

Because the church remained steady, they became incredibly prosperous. They had everything they needed: huge flocks and herds, fattened livestock of every kind, plenty of grain, gold, silver, and precious materials, silk, fine linen, and all kinds of quality cloth. Even in their prosperity, they never turned away anyone who was naked, hungry, thirsty, sick, or malnourished. They didn’t set their hearts on wealth. They were generous to everyone—young and old, slave and free, men and women, whether in the church or outside it. They showed no favoritism when people needed help. Because of this, they became far wealthier than those outside the church. Those outside the church practiced sorcery, worshiped idols, wasted time gossiping, and burned with envy and conflict. They wore expensive clothes, swollen with pride. They lied, stole, robbed, slept around, murdered, and committed every kind of evil. Still, the law was enforced against lawbreakers as much as possible. By consistently applying the law—making sure everyone faced consequences for their actions—things quieted down. People were afraid to do wrong if they thought they’d get caught. So there was much peace among the Nephites until the fifth year of the judges.

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*Source: [The Book of Mormon](https://bookofmormon.com/paraphrase/alma/1)*
