Mormon’s transition does not establish the lapse of time between Alma’s sermon in Zarahemla and his delegation of authority. Logically, it occurred quite rapidly, because Alma obviously felt great urgency to carry his message to other areas under Zarahemla’s influence. (See Alma, Part 1: Context, Chapter 2, “Alma’s Ecclesiastical Organization.” See also commentary accompanying Alma 7:4 for possible confirmation of the brief lapse of time.)