The growth of the Gadianton band (v. 42) was a natural result of a wicked culture, but once more the Book of Mormon warns us of the pride that usually follows exceeding riches (v. 43). It is not the riches that are evil, but, as the Apostle Paul warned, “the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10).
The only pain that the three transfigured disciples would suffer was for the sins of the world (see 3 Nephi 28:38). That pain or sorrow was now upon them (4 Nephi 1:44). The disciples referred to here may have included others of the quorum of the Twelve who were still functioning in the church, and even other faithful members.