As the people gathered in the great court of the congregation outside the temple, Jacob began his sermon. Later Jacob recorded what he had said. He introduced the sermon by saying that it contained the words of Jacob, the brother of Nephi, which was taught to the people after the death of Nephi. Jacob said this sermon became necessary because of his responsibility to God, to magnify his office as head of the Church with soberness. He said it was essential that he assert himself in this manner to rid his garments of the sins of the people. Jacob said he had not come to moralize or to teach the precepts of men, but the word of God.