After listening to the same blasphemes and accusations that Korihor had given in the land of Gideon (vv. 30–31), Alma answers his accusations of the priests usurping authority. Alma and his brethren were lay priesthood holders, not a paid ministry. Alma had received payment for time in the judgment seat, but only as the law provided for his service (vv. 32–33). Their real pay came from the benefits and gifts of the Spirit (v. 34). It was “even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come” (D&C 59:23).
Alma knew that Korihor knew better than what he was telling the people (Alma 30:35). He gave him a chance to acknowledge his outright lies, but Korihor was not ready to forsake the devil and repent. Alma thus backs him further into a defenseless corner.