The background of Nehor’s specific crime is now presented. Once again it is significant that other “crimes” of Nehor were presented prior to this particular one.
One of the reasons is that while Nehor is specifically punished for this crime, his influence on the religious climate of Zarahemla will continue. The other issues are the ones that are the specific problems that Mormon is most concerned about.
Nehor is preaching his own version of religion, and attempting to gain converts to his own way of thinking. As he does this he meets Gideon, that very same Gideon who was prominent in the city of Lehi-Nephi and whom we last saw as a great military leader. We see him now as a teacher.
We do not know specifically what Gideon taught, though he was clearly well versed in religion as he was able to discourse with Nehor and hold his own. It is possible that Gideon was a teacher in the sense that he was appointed to teach religious principles to the people. It is more likely, however, that his was a position that taught religion as part of the essentials of an educated life.