5 Now it came to pass after Abinadi had spoken these words that the people of king Noah durst not lay their hands on him, for the Spirit of the Lord was upon him; and his face shone with exceeding luster, even as Moses’ did while in the mount of Sinai, while speaking with the Lord.
6 And he spake with power and authority from God…
In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Savior commands us that, if we receive not the Spirit, we “shall not teach” (D&C 42:14). During the Savior’s mortal ministry, the people were astonished to see that “he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes,” (Matthew 7:29), or, as Joseph Smith rendered it, “authority from God, and not…from the scribes.”
In this passage, we get a vivid picture of God’s power which can accompany gospel teaching. Abinadi literally shone, even as Moses did on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:29-30). The people in the room knew that he was a prophet of God. They didn’t dare touch him, because they could see God’s power when they looked at his face.
Today, I will remember the importance of seeking the companionship of the Holy Ghost when I have the opportunity to teach the gospel, whether I’m teaching in my home, in my church calling, in the homes of other church members, or when I have the opportunity to share the gospel with my friends. I can’t share the gospel effectively alone. The Spirit will not only direct me and guide my words but will infuse those words with power so that they can have a meaningful impact in the lives of those I teach.