1 AND now it came to pass that after Alma had made an end of speaking unto the people of the church, which was established in the city of Zarahemla, he ordained priests and elders, [ The church in Zarahemla is the oldest one among the Nephites. Alma senior established it some 40 years earlier (cf. Mosiah 25:19-23) and Alma junior has been maintaining. It is plain from 4:7 that the order of priests and elders is in practice, so why is Alma ordaining new ones here in Zarahemla? A close look at v. 4 and at 4:7 gives us the answer. ] by laying on his hands according to the order of God, to preside and watch over the church.

2 And it came to pass that whosoever did not belong to the church who repented of their sins were baptized unto repentance, [ Baptism is "For" or "Unto" a remission of sin. Websters Dictionary says "unto expresses no more than to". The scriptures use the word "unto" thousands of times in phrases like "unto the sea" meaning until you get to the sea. It is the same with "unto" repentance. Baptism is not for the washing away of sin, which through tradition we have associated the water portion with cleansing, but this is not correct doctrine. (Little children are without sin, Christ was without sin). So Baptism is unto or so that one can move forward in order that they may obtain a remission of sins. This is why Baptism is called the gate? Because sin cannot be removed except through the atonement(the way the path is opened), the atonement cannot be applied without a making a covenant with God that you will be obedient from this time forward and that you are willing to take upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ, through whom the atonement was made possible. After Baptism we have committed to be obedient to Gods laws, to change our character, that we will eventually have our sins washed away. ] and were received into the church.

3 And it also came to pass that whosoever did belong to the church that did not repent of their wickedness and humble themselves before God—I mean those who were lifted up in the pride of their hearts—the same were rejected, and their names were blotted out, that their names were not numbered among those of the righteous.

4 And thus they began to establish the order of the church in the city of Zarahemla. [ Alma his father had done the same thing some 40 years ago, so we can conclude that he was reestablishing that order, or as it says in v. 7 "regulating" it. The contentions and problems within the church had caused disarray. What caused it go into such disarray? Alma 4:7 says that Alma was grieved over the condition of the church, and so are many of the teachers, priests, and elders. "Many"? Why are not all of them grieved as is Alma? Probably because some of them have gone bad (cf. D&C 121:34-40), and are among those whom Alma is calling to repentance in ch. 5 (probably those he is referring to in v. 37 who "have professed to have known the ways of righteousness nevertheless have gone astray"). If they've gone bad and don't repent, then they end up being excommunicated. so, new ones have to be ordained in their place. Its also possible that Alma simply wanted more priests and elders in the church so they could give more attention to the individual members. But, this cannot be the sole cause as it doesn't answer why only "many" and not all of the priests were grieved over the condition of the church and why the church had to be reestablished. ]

5 Now I would that ye should understand that the word of God was liberal unto all, [ Everyone is included here. ] that none were deprived of the privilege of assembling themselves together to hear the word of God.

6  Nevertheless [ Not the less; notwithstanding; that is, in opposition to any thing, or without regarding it. ] the children of God [ Does this suggest that not everyone was included here, as opposed to everyone in the previous verse. So we have a subset of everyone who are worshipping together as a smaller group. ] were commanded [ So this group has been given commandments, most likely they are those who have made certain covenants(and perform certain ordinances) with God. ] that they should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God.

7 And now it came to pass that when Alma had made these regulations he departed from them, yea, from the church which was in the city of Zarahemla, and went over upon the east of the river Sidon, into the valley of Gideon, there having been a city built, which was called the city of Gideon, which was in the valley that was called Gideon, being called after the man who was slain by the hand of Nehor with the sword.

8 And Alma went and began to declare the word of God unto the church which was established in the valley of Gideon, according to the revelation of the truth of the word which had been spoken by his fathers, and according to the spirit of prophecy which was in him, according to the testimony of Jesus Christ, the son of God, [ the phrase “Jesus Christ, the son of God” appears in almost every major prophecy about Jesus Christ, almost as if it were a formal, royal title. In the ancient Near East, when kings ascended to the throne, they often took upon themselves a new, throne name for themselves to proclaim their divine right to kingship. ] who should come to redeem his people from their sins, and the holy order by which he was called. And thus it is written. Amen. [ This statement in effect becomes the introduction to Chapter 7 ]