Alma 8:26 - 8:32

Alma 8:26 And now, Amulek, because thou hast fed me and taken me in, thou art blessed; for I was an hungered, for I had fasted many days.

Alma blesses Amulek and his household on account that they had taken Alma in and fed him. He had been fasting for many days and was very hungry.

Alma 8:27 And Alma tarried many days with Amulek before he began to preach unto the people.

Alma stayed with Amulek for many days as Alma prepared to restart his ministry to the people of Ammonihah.

Since it is notable that Amulek becomes Alma’s companion in the effort of calling the people to repentance, this “tarried many days” is an indication that Amulek was tutored extensively in gospel principles so he could be an effective companion to Alma being able to give testimony alongside Alma.

Alma 8:28 And it came to pass that the people did wax more gross in their iniquities.

During this time, however, things were not getting better in Ammonihah. The people were getting even more wicked and it was easy to see the change.

Alma 8:29 And the word came to Alma, saying: Go; and also say unto my servant Amulek, go forth and prophesy unto this people, saying—Repent ye, for thus saith the Lord, except ye repent I will visit this people in mine anger; yea, and I will not turn my fierce anger away.

When the time was right, Alma was inspired to partner up with Amulek and return to the public square and testify to their wickedness. They were commanded to tell them that their time is limited and that destruction awaits if they do not repent. When the people reach a certain point in their wicked behavior, there is nothing the Lord can do but to destroy them.

Alma 8:30 And Alma went forth, and also Amulek, among the people, to declare the words of God unto them; and they were filled with the Holy Ghost.

So Alma and his now missionary companion Amulek go to the public square and tell the people what they have been told by the Lord to tell them. They were filled with the Holy Ghost as they gave testimony of Jesus and prophesied of the destruction of the people if they did not repent quickly.

Alma 8:31 And they had power given unto them, insomuch that they could not be confined in dungeons; neither was it possible that any man could slay them; nevertheless they did not exercise their power until they were bound in bands and cast into prison. Now, this was done that the Lord might show forth his power in them.

While engaged in their efforts among the people of Ammonihah, they were arrested and put in jail but the jails could not hold them. They were delivered by the Lord from their confinement many times. They could not be killed either, as they were under protection of the Lord while they attempted to fill the assignment given to them by the Lord. These miracles were made manifest to the people for them to get a taste as to what powers the Lord had and what control the Lord had over events which concept the people rejected.

Alma 8:32 And it came to pass that they went forth and began to preach and to prophesy unto the people, according to the spirit and power which the Lord had given them.

They now begin in earnest their ministry among the people of Ammonihah saying whatever the Lord inspired them to say and do.