Our first exposure to Alma, the elder, is here in the court of Noah. His first recorded act is to stand up for Abinadi. People often state the trite and worn-out phrase, “stand up for what you believe in.” The statement doesn’t explain how difficult it can be to stand alone; it doesn’t convey how much integrity and intestinal fortitude it takes to stand up against the views of all around you. It is in this uncomfortable position which Alma finds himself. He certainly knows that no one is going to repent or believe in Abinadi’s words. He certainly knows that to stand up for Abinadi could well mean the end of his political career. Imagine! Alma was a politician who did not worry about the political consequences of doing the right thing. He boldly suggested protection for Abinadi. He took an unpopular stand, and almost lost his life for doing so.
Alma’s transformation, from wicked priest to convert, is both quick and complete. The integrity of his soul, like that of Paul, was such that he just needed to be pointed in the right direction. Abinadi was the one doing the pointing. “It is with painful but striking irony that before Abinadi faces the flames of a martyr’s fire, his prophetic witness kindles the fires of testimony within the heart of another.” (McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 2, p. 249)
Joseph B. Wirthlin
"The valiant, exemplary life and powerful teachings of Alma the Elder provide us with a wealth of spiritual insight. A careful study of his conversion and subsequent labors as both a spiritual and a temporal leader reveals a number of practical guidelines and concepts that, if applied in our own lives today, can help us live more wisely and productively and, thus, more joyfully.
“…As members of the Savior‘s church we struggle with the challenges of living in ’a world set on a course which we cannot follow’ (Boyd K. Packer, ”The Father and the Family,“ Ensign, May 1994, p. 21). While yet a young man, Alma lived and worked in the court of the wicked King Noah as one of the king’s appointed priests (see Mosiah 17:1–2). His life in an evil society presented Alma with many of the same temptations that afflict us today. His position of considerable authority in a corrupt government also confronted him with life-threatening conflicts once he embraced the gospel. Understanding how he turned his back on temptation, overcame sin, and stood fearlessly for righteousness can help us deal with our own challenges as we struggle to choose the right.” (Heroes from the Book of Mormon, pp. 79-80)