1 AND now it came to pass that there were a great multitude gathered together, [ All the people were gathered for some event, so it might have been the passover –. Which would make a lot of sense since Passover points us to the great sacrifice that Jesus did for us. None the less they did not know that Christ was going to appear, they were gathered for some other reason. Will this be the case when he comes again?(General Conference?) If they are gathered for passover it is probably because of tradition – remember that the Lord did away with the Law of Moses. ] of the people of Nephi, round about the temple which was in the land Bountiful; and they were marveling and wondering one with another, [ What do you suppose they were saying to each other? The  destruction over the land was not uniform, cf. 3 Ne. 8:11-12.  The cities cited in 3 Ne. 9 were the most hard hit, but clearly cities  such as Bountiful were as badly damaged.  When the people gathered together they would have been coming from different locations, so they were discussing the relative severities with they had  individually witnessed and recovered from.  As this appears to have been the first major ingathering, then it would be a natural  human reaction to get the word of mouth about what had happened across the face of all the land. ] and were showing one to another the great and marvelous change which had taken place. [ What can we draw from this? It would appear that they were gathered for a spiritual event but that they were talking more about current events. They did not come spiritually prepared for what was about to happen and they almost missed it. There had been a lot of tragedy in their lives everything was in commotion - so why would they not be talking about that which had affected them the most. Is there an example for us in our lives of how we come to sacrament meeting sometimes? We might also interject that since they had failed to follow the first command from the Lord specifically abandon the Law of Moses left them in a situtation where they were not ready for more direction from the Lord. How often does the Lord tell us to do something (Or give us a prompting ) and we do not do it so that we are not ready for what comes next. What is the Lord prompting you to do that you are not doing? And what is the Lord prompting you to stop doing that you are continuing to do? ]

2 And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, [ What had Jesus told them?  See 9:17-19 The probable source of confusion is the Lord's statement as documented in 9:17-19.  He says there the Law is fulfilled and literal sacrifices are no longer to be performed, but He doesn't tell them what to do next.  Do they still observe the Law of Moses, but just not do the literal sacrifices?  Do they abandon the Law entirely?  If they abandon the Law, what kind of ritual do they replace it with?  Well, the Lord didn't tell them that back in ch. 9.  And, they have generally forgotten that the Lord was supposed to appear to them Himself (cf. v. 12), so they weren't anticipating Him intervening.
     This is probably what the conversation in v. 1-2 was about.  They know the Law of Sacrifice is over with completely, and the Law of Moses is "fulfilled".  But now what?  Do they still observe the feasts of Passover, Weeks, and Tabernacles?  What about the Sabbath?  Does Temple worship change radically from this point out, and if so, how radically?   Given such a dramatic change in the ritual of worship, I would have to assume Nephi himself had more questions than answers.  Even if he did have all the answers, how willing would others be to listen to them if they represented such a huge shift in ritual? Can we or rather should we expect some laws to be changed and done away with when the Savior comes the next time? How will we respond? ] of whom the sign had been given concerning his death.

3 And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice [ Or in todays terms they had not conditioned themselves to "Hear Him". Why would they not have understood the voice? Possibly: 1) They had been given a commandment to abandon the Law of Moses. Did they? 2) They were to offer a broken heart and a contrite spirit – How well had they done that? If they did not listen and do as they were told then they would not be ready to hear the Lords next commands – What about us – is there a lesson here for us? 3) Were they so caught up in the current events and discussing them that they were not preparing spiritually. When the events of the latter days begin to happen so quickly and with such force will we find ourselves in the same situtation? This is a warning for us right here. Are we guilty of this in our lives today? How do we make sure that we do not follow in their same paths? 4) They were not used to listening to the voice and did not recognize it. The initial confusion and failure to understand the voice is explained by the general context of what the survivors are doing. The survivors are gathered to the Temple, probably to observe the Passover feast, an institution of the Law of Moses ] which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; [ Remember, Elijah found the voice of the Lord was not in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but was a ‘still small voice.’ (1 Kgs. 19:12.) ] nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn. [ So what can we imply from that? 1) It was auditory they heard it, while it was soft it was also firm and they felt it - so much so that they shook. Does the burning in their hearts then make it such that it was a spiritual experience of sort? ]

[ So what would the voice have been like? ]

4 And it came to pass that again [ Or the second time the voice was repeated. ] they heard the voice, and they understood it not. [ They hear and feel the voice again the second time - still they are not in the frame of mind to hear it. The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all. (No wonder that the Word of Wisdom was revealed to us, for how could the drunkard or the addict feel such a voice?) “Occasionally it will press just firmly enough for us to pay heed. But most of the time, if we do not heed the gentle feeling, the Spirit will withdraw” (“The Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983, 53). ]

5 And again the third time [ What was different about the third time? They opened their ears - It is not until they stop talking, and begin to actively listen to the voice of God, and look up into heaven that they see Christ.  And the revelation of Christ causes an end to their confusion.What is the message here for us? ] they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; [ This is one thing that they did differently the third time they turned toward the voice; they acknowledged it. Is there symbolism here for us in the fact that they used their eyes to look toward the direction of the voice. When people reason things out on their own without, fail to seek revelation, and generally ignore what revelation has been given to them, it leaves them deaf to the word of God and blind to heavenly things. Is it because they did something on their part; or is it because the Savior was so close and the raw power of that event left them with very little choice but to look? ] and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.

6 And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them:

7 Behold my Beloved son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him. [ Was the voice saying the same thing all three times? In what ways has the son glorified the name of the Father? The answer is found in verse 11. 1) The Savior said that he accepted Heavenly Fathers plan in the premortal world and that he would offer to be the one to make it all possible. 2) He was part of the creation of the world. 3) He lived a perfect life as he was asked to do in order to make it possible to take upon himself the sins of the world and work out the atonement. 4) He submitted to the Fathers will in all things - including giving up his life as part of the atonement. 5) He accepted the responsibility to judge us - removing that burden from our Father in Heaven. ]

8 And it came to pass, as they understood [ As they became in tune or enlightened, as they learned to "hear Him". ] they cast their eyes up [ The phrase "lifted up his/her eyes"(See Gen 24:63) or phrases about like it occurs about 50 times in the bible, but is sometimes translated as "cast your eyes". It is a Hebrew idiom that can mean one of two things depending on the context. If it's a historical text, it means to make a close inspection or to take a closer look at, but if it's in a prophetic, then it is more revelatory text, and it means, to have a vision or to have a revelation. We find this same phrase here in the Book Of Mormon and interestingly enough it also fits that same pattern. How did Joseph know?. The Nephites also heard a voice, the voice of Elohim, the Father, and it says, and the voice came as if it were out of heaven, and they cast their eyes roundabout for they understood not the voice which they heard. It would appear that the first time they cast their cast eyes it was roundabout, that's just a historical context be cause they are looking to find the source. They're like, whoa, did you hear that? What was that? And they're just trying to make a close inspection. They're trying to figure it out. They're not having a revelation yet. Then notice what, keep reading, and behold, the third time they did understand the voice, which they heard, and it said unto them, behold, my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name, hear ye him. And it came to pass as they understood, here it is again. The second time, they cast their eyes up again towards heaven and behold, what do they see? A man descending out of it. Then they have this supernal revelatory experience. ] again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them.

9 And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying:

10  Behold, I am Jesus Christ, [ The Father introduced him as he ascended, and while in their presence he declares himself unto them as who he is. ] whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.

11 And behold, I am the light [ How is Christ the light of the world? Jesus Christ is the Light of the World because He brings truth, life, conscience, and spiritual power to all humanity by dispelling ignorance and sin, much like literal light removes darkness. His light is both universal (through the Light of Christ) and personal (through covenants and the Holy Ghost), drawing people toward God and eternal life. (John 8:12; 3 Nephi 9:18; D&C 88:6) ] and the life of the world; [ How is Christ the life of the world? 1) Physical Creation: He created the world and all living beings. 2) He is the Sustainer of Life: His power upholds all existence. 3) Spiritual Renewal: His gospel and atonement save souls from spiritual death. 4) Resurrection: Because He rose from the dead, all people will also be resurrected — gaining immortal, perfected bodies (whether they were righteous or not). 5) Eternal Life: He offers exaltation — life with God — to the faithful. ] and I have drunk out of that [ Suggesting a very specific cup. The suggestion that he had to live without sin but would have to experience the pain for all sin to ever be committed. To a Father who knew all he knew exactly what amount of sin the Savior would need to take upon himself. Then the Savior is pure obedience would have to willfully submit to take upon himself that burden. ] bitter cup [ That which is to be received or endured that which is allotted to one a portion; something unavoidable and unpleasant. President James E. Faust of the Presidency taught that following the Savior’s example during hardships helps us endure our personal “bitter cups”: “Many members, in drinking of the bitter cup that has come to them, wrongfully think that this cup passes by others. In His first words to the people of the Western continent, Jesus of Nazareth poignantly spoke of the bitter cup the Father had given Him (see 3 Ne. 11:11). Every soul has some bitterness to swallow. Parents having a child who loses his way come to know a sorrow that defies description. A woman whose husband is cruel or insensitive can have her heart broken every day. Members who do not marry may suffer sorrow and disappointment. Having drunk the bitter cup, however, there comes a time when one must accept the situation as it is and reach upward and outward. President Harold B. Lee said, ‘Do not let self-pity or despair beckon you from the course you know is right.’ The Savior set the compass: we must be born again in spirit and heart” (“A Second Birth,” Ensign, June 1998, 2). ] which the Father hath given me, [ Note the very first words out of his mouth; the first part of his message. Elder Jeffery R Holland had this to say about this moment "I cannot think it either accident or mere whimsy that the Good Shepherd in his newly exalted state, appearing to a most significant segment of his flock, chooses first to speak of his obedience, his deference, his loyalty, and loving submission to his father. In an initial and profound moment of spellbinding wonder, when surely he had the attention of every man, woman, and child as far as the eye could see, his submission to his father is the first and most important thing he wishes us to know about himself. Frankly, I am a bit haunted by the thought that this is the first and most important thing he may want to know about us when ‘we meet him one day in similar fashion. Did we obey, even if it was painful? Did we submit, even if the cup was bitter indeed? Did we yield to a vision higher and holier than our own, even when we may have seen no vision in it at all?" Brigham Young University 1988–89 Speeches ] and have glorified [ Honored, dignified, exalted to glory. How did he do this? He was able to work out the atonement and the resurrection such that all men might be able to return to the Father, and by doing those things which the Father had asked of him - so it is with us that we too can glorify the Father when we suffer to the will of the Father. ] the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. [ Obedience - Go to Matthew 16:24. It is interesting to note that of all the words that he could have said what were the ones that he choose here to say? They are about obedience - I have been obedient to the will of the Father. So with that knowledge one has to look and ask will that be the first question that is asked of us when this life is over? "Did we obey, even if it was painful? Did we submit, even if the cup was bitter indeed? Did we yield to a vision higher and holier than our own, even when we may have seen no vision in it at all? One by one he invites us to feel the wounds in his hands and his feet and his side. And as we pass and touch and wonder, perhaps he whispers, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). If such cross-bearing self-denial was, by definition, the most difficult thing Christ or any man has ever had to do, an act of submission that would, by the Savior’s own account, cause him, “God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit” —if yielding and obeying and bowing to divine will holds only that ahead, then no wonder that even the Only Begotten son of the true and living God “would that [he] might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink” (D&C 19:18)! Even as we rehearse this greatest of all personal sacrifices, you can be certain that with some in this world it is not fashionable nor flattering to speak of submitting—to anybody or anything. At the threshold of the twenty-first century it sounds wrong on the face of it. It sounds feeble and wimpish. It just isn’t the American way." Jeffery R Holland 1989 The Will of the Father In All things ]

12 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth; [ Think about the power of those words. Think about how different your life is than the life of the Savior. Think what he meant when he said that he had suffered the will of the Father; such that he had done everything that the Father had asked of him, how humbling are those words when you are standing next to the Savior? ] for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension into heaven.

13 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying:

14 Arise [ To begin to occur or to exist : to begin at a source : to get up from sleep or after lying down. ] and come forth unto me, [ Denoting acceptance, to come out, to move forward. ] that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, [ Why is it important that he declares that he is the Lord of Israel? This is an important declaration because it was Jehovah that gave the laws to Moses. ] and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

15 And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one [ And there are how many here? around 2,500 men woman and children (see 3 Ne 17:25) At 10 seconds each that would take 6.94 hours; at 30 seconds each that would take 20.8 hours. So it would have taken some time - and we know how some would just linger, taking more than their fair share. ] until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.

16 And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying:

17 Hosanna! [ Literally means “Save now, save we pray” or ‘Oh, grant salvation.’ The people in one unified voice ask the Savior to teach them the way to salvation. ] Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him.

18 And it came to pass that he spake unto Nephi (for Nephi was among the multitude) and he commanded him that he should come forth.

19 And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord and did kiss his feet.

20 And the Lord commanded him that he should arise. And he arose and stood before him.

21 And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power [ Not given any additional priesthood but rather new authority to perform ordinances associated with the “new organization”. ] that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven. [ What is the first thing that he teaches them?  Baptism -rebaptism is not new – it was similar to this dispensation Joseph Smith , Oliver Cowdery and several others were baptized under the command of John The Baptist. On the day the Church was organized they were baptized again, not for a remission of sins but for entrance into the “new organization” answers to gospel ?’s 3:205-206. ]

22 And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them: On this wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations among you. [ So to make it clear how he wants this done in the future so that everyone understands how it is to be done (Baptism) I will tell you how to do it. ]

23 Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words, and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them—Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them.

24 And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, [ Here are the exact words so that we are clear. Why is it important that the Lord provides the exact words for certain ordinances? In this case the words are very simple 1) you need to have the right authority to perform the ordinance - so that you can state before God that this is being done under his direction and with authorization from him. 2) Each member of the Godhead is bound through this ordinance, as each member of the Godhead has specific roles to play in our redemption and eternal salvation, and we cannot get their without the efforts of all three in our behalf. ] calling them by name, saying:

25 Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. [ There are only 2 ordinances in the church done in the name of the Father, son and Holy Ghost - they are Baptism and Temple Marriage (Sealing). Note how all three members of the Godhead are involved in the baptismal prayer just as they are in the sacramental prayers. Those covenants in both ordinances with God include that we take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ, that they will keep His commandments, and serve Him to the end (see Mosiah 18:8–10; D&C 20:37). Church members renew this covenant each time they partake of the sacrament (see D&C 20:77, 79). Those who keep their covenants are blessed by the Lord for their faithfulness, including the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost (that they have his spirit to be with them), they can have and know that they have had a remission of sins, and the privilege of being spiritually reborn, and if they continue faithfully, they are promised eternal life (see 2 Nephi 31:19–20). Each member of the Godhead fulfilling their parts - The Father - it was his plan he is the one who oversees everything - he is constantly working for and in our behalf is we will let him - he is forward thinking; he was the one that made it all possible, he is the creator of man himself. The Savior is the one who volunteered to do whatever the Father asked so that the plan of redemption might be complete, he worked out the atonement, and in the end will serve as the judge. Lastly the Holy Ghost will perform those functions that require a spirit being to perform. to testify of truth. ]

26 And then shall ye immerse [ To put under water or other fluid; to plunge; to dip. To sink or cover deep; to cover wholly. ] them in the water, and come forth again out of the water.

27 And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; [ Why do you suppose that they needed instruction on how to baptise? they had been baptizing according to the law of Moses - ??? – new law, new organization see verse 21 ] for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the son, and the Holy Ghost are one; [ How are they one when we know from Joseph Smith and from the baptism of the Savior that they are three different beings? They are one in purpose - each has his own role (responsibilities) in the plan. The Father is Our Heavenly Father; he is the Father of our spirits; he is the one who designed the plan for us. His goal is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man - to bring us back to him. In so doing he is a forward thing God. The Savior; was set to fulfill the plan, to do the work of the creation, to work out the atonement and in the end he will be our judge as the Father has left all judgement to the son. The Holy Ghost is there to perform the workings that need to be done by a spirit; to testify to move men to act after the manner of God. ] and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one.

28 And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, [ The phrase "My doctrine" will be repeated 8 times between now and verse 40. ] as there have hitherto been.

29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.

30 Behold, this is not my doctrine, [What is not his doctrine? Anything that promotes contention. ] to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.

31 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine.

32 And this is my doctrine, [What is his doctrine? Faith, repentance, Baptism…] and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me.

33 And whoso believeth in me, [ First we have to believe in Christ, and be willing to take upon ourselves his name. ] and is baptized, [ Which is the formal covenant that we will take upon ourselves his name, and serve him and commit to be obedient to the laws of God. ] the same shall be saved; [ Those who have done these things, and only those who have done so. If you do not believe enough in Christ, that he has the power to take away your sin then he can't because this is how the law is applied through the atonement of Christ. ] and they are they who shall inherit [ Receive the same reward as Christ. ] the kingdom of God.

34 And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned. [ Or their progress is stopped up. They cannot progress forward in the next life as they have limited themselves. By not accepting the Savior and his power they have basically said that he does not have the power to save them; this is their acknowledgement and as such their progress is limited by their lack of trust in God. ]

35 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire [ Presence of deity. ] and with the Holy Ghost. [ It would appear from this statement that the baptism of fire and the baptism of the Holy Ghost are two different events. ]

36 And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one.

37 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, [What characteristics do little children have that we need to develop? Most children are teachable and have learned to be obedient. ] and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things.

38 And again I say unto you, [1] ye must repent, [You need to change the way you behave, the reason why you act the way that you do; you need to change your character. 2] and be baptized in my name, and [ You need to take upon yourself the name on which you can be saved, you need to belive in him enough to take his name, like in marriage, and do so under covenant, a covenant that you agree that you are going to from that time forward try to be like him by being obedient to the laws of God, just as the Savior was. 3] become as a little child, [ How do we become as a little child? Humble - dependent on your parents for everything. Teachable - always willing to learn and be taught; Submissive/Obedient - willing to do what you are asked to do - no matter what is asked of you. ] or ye can in nowise [ Or it is just not possible; no matter how much God may love you. ] inherit the kingdom of God.

39 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, [ That you must repent and you must be baptized. vs 38. ] and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.

40 And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; [ Does not build upon the power of the gospel; does not have the power of the priesthood - as such will fail. ] but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.

41 Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth.