We now skip ahead a couple of generations to around 83 BCE. Alma, the hero of this section of the Book of Mormon, has just resigned from being the chief judge of the Nephite people, but he has retained the title of high priest in order to go on a preaching tour of Nephite communities and try to convert them to the gospel. Alma realizes that the most important task he can undertake is to devote himself wholly to the goal of the spiritual welfare of his people. The Nephites, many of whom have been taught the true religion, nevertheless have succumbed to pride and wickedness, so the need for missionary work is great. Alma goes to the city of Zarahemla to preach this message.
Note that this Alma is also called “Alma the Younger” because his father shared the same name. (One of the most confusing aspects of following the Book of Mormon is the prevalence of the same name popping up in generations of Lehi’s descendants. Other popular names include Nephi, Helaman, Lehi, and Moroni.)