At this point in Nephite history the commandment came to begin a second set of records- the small plates. (See commentary on 1 Nephi 6:1-6 for a discussion of the content of these plates.)
“The Twelve Disciples of the Lamb”
The Nephite Twelve, though generally designated in the Book of Mormon as disciples, were, of course, Apostles in the full and complete sense of the word. They were called, ordained, and “sent forth” to be special witnesses of the name of Christ to the Nephite people. Regarding the manner in which the Nephite Twelve were to bestow the Holy Ghost, the Nephite record attests: “And he called them by name, saying: Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for thus do mine apostles” (Moroni 2:2; italics added). Joseph Smith wrote to John Wentworth that the Book of Mormon “tells us that our Savior made his appearance upon this continent after his resurrection; that He planted the Gospel here in all its fulness, and richness, and power, and blessing; that they had Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, and Evangelists; the same order, the same priesthood, the same ordinances, gifts, powers, and blessing, as were enjoyed on the eastern continent” (HC 4:538).