The crowd dynamic intensifies. The Gadianton judges have managed to turn the focus of the event. Where the original crowd gathered to listen, and saw Nephi as either entertainment or curiosity, Nephi is now the focus of controversy. Rather than have the crowd listening to Nephi, the Gadiantons have managed to get them arguing among themselves, which at least stole the forum from Nephi.
As Mormon reports the internal dissention in the crowd, he not unsurprisingly concentrates on the positive arguments for Nephi. Assuredly there were just as many counter arguments from those who sided with the judges. However, Mormon doesn’t want to provide a balanced account, but rather one that meets his purposes. Therefore he presents Nephi in the best light during this crowd controversy.
Nephi sees that there is sufficient support in the crowd that he may retake control of the situation, and so he begins to speak.