In verse 9 Amulek explained that an angel who appeared to him (see Alma 8:20) referred to Alma as “a holy man.” Now, caught up in the power of the Spirit and perceiving the thoughts of the people, he accuses them of “laying traps and snares to catch the holy ones of God.” Because of his own sincere spiritual awakening, and given his dedicated service to the gospel, Amulek apparently included himself in a select group of individuals, both sanctified and chosen of God: holy men.