Mormon briefly mentions the disciples. He had specifically noted their efforts to preach the gospel (vv. 30–34). At that time, he described their miracles to show the people’s increasing wickedness. Here they likewise serve as foils for the Nephites, who are so wicked that the disciples themselves “began to sorrow for the sins of the world.” Why not for the sins of the Nephites? Because the Nephites have adopted the sins of the world. Cultural affiliations are not a gospel concern, but cultural sins are.