Thus ends, around 73 BC, the marvelous ministry of Alma the prophet—the first and chief judge among the Nephites and their esteemed presiding high priest. Alma is one of the most distinguished exponents of the doctrine of Christ and the associated principles of spiritual rebirth through “the mighty change” as empowered by the Atonement.
EVIDENCE: Moses’ and John’s Translation (Alma 45:18–19; 3 Nephi 28:6–9)
In the Book of Mormon, we read that the Apostle John and the prophet Moses were translated. Though these events are not mentioned in the Bible, other ancient documents support the Book of Mormon’s assertions. In fact, the Talmud and many other Jewish texts relate that Moses never died but was alive and serving God in heaven. A fourth-century Christian writing—The Discourse on Abbatôn—states that John the Beloved was translated. This document was first published in 1914, and no English translation of the Talmud was available to Joseph Smith, proving yet again the Book of Mormon’s divine origin. (See Echoes, 247–249.)