In considering the life and circumstances of Alma the Younger, one finds striking parallels between him and another great leader, one whose life and teachings are recounted in the New Testament, the apostle Paul. Critics of the Book of Mormon point to these parallels as proof of Joseph Smith’s plagiarizing of the Bible in authoring the Book of Mormon. They propose a list of parallels between the Apostle Paul and Alma in which Alma “almost duplicates Paul’s life and ministry.” As with many anti-Mormon writings, the authors are much too quick to propose conclusions based on shaky assumptions.
In response to the accusations regarding the parallels between Alma and Paul, the reader should be aware that patterns and parallels are an essential part of scripture. According to Alan Goff, a primary characteristic of biblical narrative is extensive allusion, connecting it to other biblical narratives. When the Bible “borrows” from other stories within its corpus, such a practice increases our appreciation for the text. In other words, similarities are purposely included in scriptural stories so as to direct one’s thoughts to other parallel scripture. However, despite the similarities, one should also be aware of the differences. For the benefit of the reader I have charted not only the similarities between the accounts of Alma and Saul (Paul), but the differences as well (see illustrations below). [Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes] [See the commentary on Alma 14:22; 17:23]
Mosiah 27:10 [Alma] was going bout to destroy the church of God ([Illustration] Similarities between the Conversion of Alma and Saul (Paul). [Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes]
Similarities between the Conversion of Alma2 and Saul (Paul)
1. Both Alma and Paul were very wicked men before their conversion. (Mosiah 27:8; 1 Timothy 1:12-13)
2. Both were very skillful, talented and influential. (see Mosiah 27:8; Acts 22:3; Acts 9:1-2)
3. Both Alma and Paul traveled about trying to destroy the church of God. (Alma 36:6; 1 Corinthians 15:9)
4. Both persecuted the followers of Christ. (see Mosiah 27:9-10; Acts 8:3)
5. Both Alma and Paul were vigorous in their persecution of the church. (Alma 36:14; Acts 22:4)
6. Both Alma and Paul were out on one of their missions of persecution on the day of their conversion. (Mosiah 27:10-11; Acts 26:11-13)
7. Alma and Saul each received a divine manifestation which resulted in their conversion to the gospel of Christ. (see Mosiah 27:11-12; Acts 9:3-6)
8. In both cases the people present fell to the earth. (Mosiah 27:12; Acts 26:14)
9. The companions of both Alma and Paul were unable to understand the voice that spoke. (Mosiah 27:12; Acts 22:9)
10. In the vision both Alma and Paul were asked why they fought against the work of the Lord. (Mosiah 27:13; Acts 9:4; 22:7)
11. Both Alma and Paul became helpless after the vision and had to be helped by their friends. (Mosiah 27:19; Acts 9:8)
12. Both Alma and Saul’s were afflicted as a result of the powerful manifestations they received, which afflictions were followed by their respective conversions to the gospel. In each case, the affliction lasted three days. (see Alma 356:6-26; Acts 9:9, 18-20)
13. Apparently both went without food for a period of three days. (Mosiah 27:23, see Alma 36:10; Acts 9:9)
14. In each case, a righteous man was an instrument in God’s hands in bringing about the recovery and conversion of Alma and Saul. (See Mosiah 27:14, 20-23; Acts 9:10-18.)
15. Both Alma and Paul were greatly affected by the Spirit or Holy Ghost. Alma was “born of the Spirit” (Mosiah 27:23-24) and Paul was “filled with the Holy Ghost” (Acts 9:17)
16. In the cases of both Alma and Saul, their earlier pride led them to seek to destroy the Church of Christ, but they each learned great humility that helped them to be content in their allotted circumstances. (See Alma 29:3-6; Philippians 4:11-12)
17. After their conversion both Alma and Paul traveled about preaching the word of God. (Mosiah 27:32; Acts 9:20)
18. Both accounts are told more than once in the scriptural text. (Alma 27, 36; Acts 9, 26)
Mosiah 27:10 [Alma] was going about to destroy the church of God ([Illustration] Differences between the Conversion of Alma and Saul (Paul). [Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes]
Some Differences between the Conversion of Alma and Saul (Paul)
Alma
Paul
He lead members astray by preaching (Mos 27:10)
He persecuted members by legal “letters,” by “compelling them to blaspheme,” leading to punishment, prison and death (Acts 9:1-2; 26:10-11)
He persecuted members illegally (27:2, 10)
He persecuted members by official sanction (9:1-2)
An angel descended upon them “as it were in a cloud” (27:11)
At midday a light shone round about them above the brightness of the sun (Acts 9:3; 26:13)
A voice spoke as thunder which shook the earth (27:11)
Just a voice spoke, no modifying words or phrases (9:4)
An angel of the Lord appeared (27:11)
Jesus Christ appeared (Acts 9:5, 17; 26:15)
His companions fell to the earth (27:12; 27:18)
Two accounts: 1st they stood (9:7) 2nd they all fell (26:14)
No mention is made of language. “Why persecutest thou the church of God” (27:13; see Mos 26:22)
Christ spoke to Paul in Hebrew. “Saul, Saul, Why persecustest thou me?” But He used a phrase also found in the writings of Euripedes (“Why kick against the pricks”) (9:4-5; 26:14)
Angel came in response to the prayers of the people and Alma’s father (27:14) Came to convince Alma of the power & authority of God.
No mention
Companions beheld the angel (27:18) They understood not at first (27:12)
Companions heard a voice but saw no man (9:7)
Alma did not hear after initial message (Alma 36:11) Companions heard angel (36:11)
Paul could apparently still hear (9:6, 17)
Saw God sitting upon throne (36:22)
No mention
Alma’s speech taken away (struck dumb) (27:19; 36:10)
Paul’s sight taken away by “scales” (9:9, 18)
Limbs lost their strength (27:22)
Paul stood and walked (9:8)
Taken to his father (27:19)
Ananias came to Paul (Christ had spoken to Ananias in vision) (9:10-17)
Alma’s father called the priests to fast & pray (27:22)
No mention is made of any help
His account deals with his redemption process (27:23-31 Racked with eternal torment (36:17-21) ) An additional theme was deliverance from bondage as a people (36:28-30)
Account focuses on Paul’s calling to testify of Christ. Paul a "chosen vessel to declare Christ’s name to the Gentiles, to kings, and the children of Israel. (9:15) Turning them from darkness to light. (26:18)