Alma and his brethren begin their missionary work, and do it in the same way that the Apostles in the Old World did. This preaching without purse or scrip (to use the New Testament terminology) was easier in a world that was more agricultural than our modern societies. Most ancient societies that were not money-based as is our modern economy, had rules of hospitality that required the generous care of the hungry. The reliance upon hospitality by the missionaries had two important functions in the mission to the Zoramites. The first was that it clearly separated Alma and his brethren from the ranks of the priests practicing priestcraft, or administering religion for gain. The presence of these missionaries requesting hospitality would be in direct contrast to priests demanding tribute.
The second, and more important, function of the reliance upon hospitality is that it created a situation in which the offerer had to become sufficiently humble to offer the hospitality. This provided an opportunity for the missionaries to be with the Zoramites at a time when their hearts might not be quite so hardened.
Textual: There is no chapter break here in the 1830 edition.