During the Savior's ministry, He made it clear that His purpose was to minister to the house of Israel. This was made clear to the woman of Canaan when he said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matt 15:24). After He was resurrected, He only appeared to those of the house of Israel. It was through the Holy Ghost, by the ministry of Paul and others, that the Gentiles heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. When Christ appeared to the Nephites and explained to them the meaning of the scripture, Other sheep I have which are not of this fold. He also said, and they (the Jews) understood me not that the Gentiles should not at any time hear my voice—that I should not manifest myself unto them save it were by the Holy Ghost. (3 Nephi 15:21,23)