Even the three disciples who had tarried were no longer respected and universally believed. They were persecuted. These events are being reported at some time after the Nephite year 210, after the birth of Christ. These are the events Mormon earlier referenced when speaking of the three (see 3 Nephi 28:19-22):
19 And they were cast into prison by them who did not belong to the church. And the prisons could not hold them, for they were rent in twain.
20 And they were cast down into the earth; but they did smite the earth with the word of God, insomuch that by his power they were delivered out of the depths of the earth; and therefore they could not dig pits sufficient to hold them.
21 And thrice they were cast into a furnace and received no harm.
22 And twice were they cast into a den of wild beasts; and behold they did play with the beasts as a child with a suckling lamb, and received no harm.