Aminadab (named first in verse 39) is a Nephite dissenter who has gone over to the Lamanite side during the days of Nephi and Lehi, the sons of Helaman. After these two faithful servants of God have consecrated the remainder of their days to preaching the gospel to their wayward contemporaries, they now cross paths with Aminadab in a unique way some thirty years before the birth of Christ. It is during this encounter that Aminadab rises up and performs an act of singular courage and service in the cause of Christ.