While Ammon is teaching Lamoni, his brother Aaron is having a more difficult experience. First, he is rejected by cynics in a city called Jerusalem. Then, he is imprisoned in Middoni. When Ammon and Lamoni arrive to deliver him and his associates from prison, he continues his service, preaching in many other places.
Ammon and Lamoni return to Ishmael, where Lamoni declares that his people are free to worship as they desire.
Chapter Outline
- Aaron preaches in Jerusalem and is rejected (v. 1-10)
- He preaches in Middoni, where he is imprisoned, then delivered by Lamoni and Ammon (v. 11-17)
- Ammon and Lamoni return to Ishmael, where Lamoni declares religious liberty (v. 18-23)
My Takeaways
- Sarcasm and cynicism can prevent us from recognizing truth.
- It’s important to keep sharing the gospel and not give up when we encounter adversity.
Featured Blog Posts
❖ Aaron preaches in Jerusalem – Alma 21:1-10
We Do Not Believe That Thou Knowest Any Such Thing – Alma 21:7-8
7 Now Aaron said unto him: Believest thou that the Son of God shall come to redeem mankind from their sins? 8 And the man said unto him: We do not believe that thou knowest any such thing. We do not believe in these foolish traditions. We do not believe that thou knowest of things…
And They Would Not Hear – Alma 21:10
10 And it came to pass as he began to expound these things unto them they were angry with him, and began to mock him; and they would not hear the words which he spake. (Alma 21:10) I would summarize this verse in the following way: anger –> mocking –> not listening How often do…
Amalekites and Amulonites
The Amalekites and Amulonites were former believers who had turned away from God. Be wary of people who try to erode your faith. We love all of God’s children, but we need to avoid the contagion of cynicism and not allow others’ fears to shake our faith.
❖ Aaron delivered from prison – Alma 21:11-17
Whithersoever They Were Led – Alma 21:16-17
16 And they went forth whithersoever they were led by the Spirit of the Lord, preaching the word of God in every synagogue of the Amalekites, or in every assembly of the Lamanites where they could be admitted.17 And it came to pass that the Lord began to bless them, insomuch that they brought many…
❖ Ammon and Lamoni return to Ishmael – Alma 21:18-23
Lamoni and Religious Freedom
King Lamoni declared to his people that they were free to worship God “according to their desires.” Our commitment to religious liberty is more than a legal position. It is also a declaration of intent to treat people of different beliefs with respect.
“All…Things Pertaining to Righteousness”
Most of us are willing to accept some truths but not yet ready to accept others. Lamoni and his people were particularly receptive. Ammon was able to teach them “all things…pertaining to righteousness.” They were willing to accept and apply those truths
New Testament Parallels
Letting Things Go
A major part of discipleship is letting things go. Jesus told his apostles what not to pack, how not to plan for speeches, and how to move on when treated badly. The principle is simple: find joy by focusing on the most important things.
All Posts Referencing Alma 21
- The Savior’s Instructions to Missionaries, Ancient and Modern (8/1/2025)
- “I Am Mormon” (9/20/2024)
- Lamoni and Religious Freedom (7/7/2024)
- Amalekites and Amulonites (7/6/2024)
- “All…Things Pertaining to Righteousness” (7/5/2024)
- Letting Things Go (3/10/2023)
- “They Separated Themselves” – Alma 17:13, 17 (5/19/2021)
- “Fools Mock” (5/2/2021)
- “Assuredly It Was Great” – Alma 17:14 (6/25/2020)
- How Can I Avoid Overzealousness? (7/9/2019)
- What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About the Resurrection? (4/21/2019)
- We Do Not Believe That Thou Knowest Any Such Thing – Alma 21:7-8 (1/12/2018)
- Whithersoever They Were Led – Alma 21:16-17 (2/26/2017)
- And They Would Not Hear – Alma 21:10 (6/28/2015)