It is not hard to imagine this group scene. We have Alma standing alone among a number of people who are derisive and becoming increasingly sure of themselves. At this point they begin to approach Alma, somehow making gestures that Alma could surmise meant that they wanted to grab hold of him. Nevertheless, Alma holds his ground and “stood with boldness.” It is quite likely that it was this very standing with boldness that deterred the crowd. No doubt they expected that their actions would frighten Alma and that he would attempt to escape. The fact that he did not, and that he did exactly the opposite of their expectations apparently gave them pause, and gave Alma enough space to begin preaching anew to them.