By Gideon, Defender of the Faith and Servant of the People
It was the robes that first caught my eye.
Costly. Flowing. Designed to draw attention—intended to invoke authority. But it was not Nehor’s garments that stirred me. It was his words.
He preached in the marketplace, bold and unashamed. He taught that all men would be saved, no matter their deeds. That there was no need to fear or repent. That priests and teachers ought to be paid handsomely and held above the people.
I watched as some listened with itching ears, delighted by a doctrine that excused sin and promised glory without effort. I saw the seeds of pride and priestcraft being planted in fertile hearts, eager for an easier gospel.
I could not stand silent.
I stepped forward and challenged him. Not with a sword—though I had drawn one many times in my life—but with words of truth. I testified that salvation comes only through repentance, faith in Christ, and obedience to His commandments. That the priesthood is a sacred trust, not a position to enrich a man. That Alma had led the church not with pride, but with humility and power from God.
Nehor sneered. His voice rose. The crowd grew tense. I saw anger flare in his eyes—a darkness born not merely of ambition, but of deception. He believed his own lies. That made him dangerous.
He came at me then. Not with words. But with strength. He struck with sudden force, and I knew at once—I was not dealing with a teacher, but a wolf in shepherd’s robes.
The crowd gasped. Some cried out. I did not cry out.
My knees weakened, and the world spun. But before darkness took me, I knew this: truth had been spoken, even if my voice was silenced.
And if my life was to be poured out in defense of the gospel, then let it be said—I, Gideon, stood firm to the end.
Alma 1:7-9, 2:20, 6:7
