“The Angel First Appeared Unto Him”
It will be remembered that Alma and the sons of Mosiah were rebellious in their youth and went about seeking to destroy the Church. As they were doing so, an angel of the Lord appeared, warning them that their efforts to destroy the Church would lead to their own destruction (see Mosiah 27:11-17; Alma 36:6-9.) The reference here to the angel “first” appearing to Alma suggests another visit or visits by the same angel. Indeed, this was the case. While Alma, the missionary, lamented over the wickedness of the people of Ammonihah, the same angel appeared to console him and to commend him for his faithful labors (see Alma 8:14-15).
References
