As stated previously, the Nephites had a proper separation of church and state; but they worked together as a people of God. King Mosiah recognized the need of religious freedom (v. 2), and Alma taught it in the church (vv. 3–4). We are reminded of persecutions in the time of Joseph Smith that brought forth this declaration: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may” (11 Article of Faith).
The Lord also revealed the same esteem for neighbors in our day as he revealed to Alma, and felt it was important enough to repeat. “And let every man esteem his brother as himself, and practice virtue and holiness before me. And again I say unto you, let every man esteem his brother as himself” (D&C 38:24–25).
The time period describing the growth of the cities and villages is not given (Mosiah 27:6–7). Alma had established peace and prosperity within the church, but persecution came from those not in the church. The persecution was probably a result of the prosperity in the church bringing envy to the unbelievers. The persecutions would suggest at least a few years separating the two periods of peace and prosperity. Both periods appropriately give credit to the Lord for these blessed conditions (v. 7; see also 26:37–39).