Lifespan

Died ca. 121 B.C.

Ministry

A Nephite prophet and king, Benjamin was a son of Mosiah. Mosiah was a righteous leader who led his people wisely and taught his son to follow the direction of the Lord. Benjamin was a righteous and holy man who also led the military efforts of his people and served them in all ways all the days of his life. (more…)

Lifespan

Approximately 120-73 B.C.

Ministry

A son of Alma, also a Nephite prophet, he was a major detractor of the church until he underwent a remarkable conversion. He became as devoted to the church as he was unruly prior to his conversion, and consequently had a tremendous influence upon not only the faithful of his religion but also his people and the Nephite nation. He ultimately served as the first chief judge in Zarahemla (a replacement government structure engineered by Mosiah, the previous king), commander-in-chief of the Nephite army, and high priest and prophet. (more…)

Lifespan

Approximately 174-92 B.C.

Ministry

Alma was an ex-priest of the wicked King Noah. He supported releasing Abinadi without punishment, and drew the wrath of his fellow priests for doing so. After escaping the king’s court, he taught faithful Nephites secretly in the wilderness and founded the church. He served as its prophet for twenty years before being discovered by the Lamanites. After suffering captivity, they escaped and fled to a new land, where they met up with King Mosiah and his people. Mosiah supported Alma in his role as leader of the church, which he did for another twenty years or so. (more…)

Lifespan

Approximately 150 B.C.

Ministry

Abinadi was a Nephite prophet. Abinadi had joined a small group of Nephites who attempted to regain control of the city of Nephi from the Lamanites. After he publicly called the king and his priests (all apostate Nephites) to repentance, he was banished, went into exile, and returned two years later to again preach against the wicked King Noah and his priests. After a memorable trial in the king’s court, the king was afraid of Abinadi’s righteous power and was willing to release him. His priests, however, would not allow it, and they succeeded in having Abinadi burned alive.

Preparation and Calling

Nothing is known about Abinadi’s calling as a prophet or his preparation for such.

Interaction with God

Abinadi was a powerful witness of Jesus Christ, whose birth was yet a century and a half in the future. He knew the sacred writings well, including those of Isaiah, and was obviously a recipient of the gift of prophecy. During the trial for his life, at one point “his face shown with exceeding luster, evan as Moses’ did while in the mount of Sinai.” While he was clearly familiar with the workings of the Spirit, we have little information about his direct interaction with God the Father.

Social Situation

Abinadi was in a tough spot. The Lord commanded him to cry repentance and witness against the evil doings of the king and his powerful but utterly corrupt priests. At one point, he had to sneak back into the city in disguise to fulfill his calling from the Lord. One wonders whether his purpose was not so much a mission of potential conversion but rather of providing a witness against King Noah and his priests so they could be held fully accountable at the day of judgment.

Key Teachings

Abinadi is remembered for prophecies in two particular areas: (1) his powerful witness of the coming Christ and His death and resurrection, and (2) the destruction that would come to the people because of their wickedness.

Living with the Prophet

Abinadi was faithful to his calling from God even though he knew that his life was in jeopardy. But his love for God was stronger than any fear that might have been aroused by these wicked government leaders. Have you ever been in a position where you were ridiculed or challenged because of your beliefs by someone in a position of authority?

Sources:

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, vol. 1, s.v. “Abinadi.”

Book of Mormon, the book of Mosiah.

Book of Mormon, Reader’s Edition, ed. Grant Hardy.