These early Nephite prophets and Saints “knew of Christ” and “had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming,” as did “all the holy prophets which were before us.” Christ’s coming into mortality was not a hidden or secret thing; “to him,” said Peter, “give all the prophets witness” (Acts 10:43). Those who had ears to hear were hearing the glad tidings for centuries, even millennia, before his actual arrival in person. See also commentary at Jacob 7:8–12 and Mosiah 13:33.