Jacob reminds us that his brother Joseph had also been consecrated a priest and teacher by Nephi in order to help him in his work.30 Jacob wants us to know that he and his brother took their callings in the priesthood very seriously. They were not just Levitical priests, but holders of the Melchizedek Priesthood.31
Jacob and Joseph took upon themselves as leaders of the people the responsibility for their welfare and even answered upon their own heads the sins of the people if they did not teach them to do better. This helps us to appreciate Jacob's attitude as he prepared to give his famous temple sermon commencing in the next chapter.