Nehor (see v. 15 for his name) was practicing priestcraft. He sought popularity or the praise of the world, and he sought and received financial support of the people or gain for his preaching (vv. 3–5). In testifying that all men would be saved at the last day and have eternal life (v. 4), he is advocating the plan of the devil. In the pre-mortal council, Satan said he would “redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it, wherefore give me thine honor” (Moses 4:1). Therefore, Nehor was setting himself up as a light to the world rather than teaching the doctrine of Christ. Furthermore, he was guilty of pride, which King Mosiah warned against (Mosiah 29:9), and established his own church rather than seeking the welfare of Zion (Alma 1:6).
Nehor’s encounter with Gideon was an encounter with a man of the priesthood. Gideon relied on the word of God (v. 7) and set Christ up as a light to Nehor. Gideon, being an instrument in the hands of God in the past (v. 8), confirmed his reliance upon the priesthood. Gideon had previously withstood the wicked King Noah (see Mosiah 19). His plan that delivered King Limhi and his people out of bondage (Alma 1:8; see Mosiah 22:5–8) was probably given to him by revelation. The entire people had been studying and praying to determine how “to deliver themselves out of the hands of the Lamanites and from bondage,” and the answer was given to Gideon (Mosiah 21:36).
The foremost crime committed by Nehor was murder, but there may have been other crimes he committed. As with the later judgment of Korihor, “there was no law against a man’s belief” (Alma 1:17; 30:11).