Rhetorical: The prophets are certainly among those who accept the mission of the atoning Messiah, as it is they who know it best. Surely, therefore, the prophets are believers in the atoning Messiah. This is the critical turn in the thread of Abinadi's argument. He must answer the question about those who publish peace, and the obvious answer is the prophets. However, since Abinadi's real purpose is to hammer home the apostasy of the priests in denying the atoning Messiah, he must clearly define the prophets as believers in the atoning Messiah. When he returns to the original question asked of him, his rhetorical gun is fully loaded with powerful charges. He can now focus all of the intents of the priests directly against them, and against their greatest heresy.