3 Nephi 23

Jesus

And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah. 3 Nephi 23:1–3

Jesus Himself commands us to search Isaiah, calling Israel 'my people.' He is the God of Israel whom Isaiah wrote about, so studying Isaiah is studying Him.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to 3 Nephi 20:11 — Jesus earlier said the words of Isaiah must be fulfilled.
• alluded to by Mormon 8:23 — Moroni: 'search the prophecies of Isaiah.'

Doctrine of Christ

Therefore give heed to my words; write the things which I have told you; and according to the time and the will of the Father they shall go forth unto the Gentiles. 3 Nephi 23:4–5

Christ restates His doctrine: hear His words, repent, and be baptized to be saved. He adds that many prophets testify of these things, pointing all scripture back to Him.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to 3 Nephi 11:33 — Whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved.
• alludes to Jacob 4:4 — The prophets knew of Christ and had a hope of His glory.

Jesus

And now it came to pass that when Jesus had said these words he said unto them again, after he had expounded all the scriptures unto them which they had received, he said unto them: Behold, other scriptures I would that ye should write, that ye have not. 3 Nephi 23:6–8

Jesus expounds all the scriptures and then personally reviews the Nephite record. The Lord cares that His people's scriptures are complete and accurate.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

Resurrection

Verily I say unto you, I commanded my servant Samuel, the Lamanite, that he should testify unto this people, that at the day that the Father should glorify his name in me that there were many saints who should arise from the dead, and should appear unto many, and should minister unto them. And he said unto them: Was it not so? 3 Nephi 23:9–10

Jesus reveals that He was the one who commanded Samuel to prophesy, and that His Resurrection — the day the Father glorified His name in Him — opened the graves of many saints. The disciples confirm, 'Yea, Lord,' that it was all fulfilled.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Helaman 14:25 — Samuel's prophecy that many graves would open and saints appear after Christ's resurrection.
• the same event in Matthew 27:52-53 — Saints arose and appeared unto many at Jerusalem after His resurrection.
• alludes to John 12:28 — Father, glorify thy name.

Resurrection

And Jesus said unto them: How be it that ye have not written this thing, that many saints did arise and appear unto many and did minister unto them? 3 Nephi 23:11–13

Jesus insists the witness of the saints' resurrection be recorded. The record of resurrected saints is part of the testimony that He broke the bands of death for everyone.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in 3 Nephi 23:9 — The prophecy He had just cited.

Jesus

And now it came to pass that when Jesus had expounded all the scriptures in one, which they had written, he commanded them that they should teach the things which he had expounded unto them. 3 Nephi 23:14

Jesus gathers all the scriptures 'in one' and then sends His disciples to teach them. He is the key who makes all scripture fit together.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him