Mormon reports that prophets were martyred for their testimony of the Messiah (v. 15). His first example is Zenos, who was slain for his beliefs (Hel. 8:19). Mormon implies that Zenock was likewise slain, a possible reading of Helaman 8:20; but the presence of prophets on the list who were not slain makes this conclusion less certain. Mormon describes Zenos and Zenock as descendants of Joseph and therefore as the Nephites’ ancestors. He does not suggest the martyrdom of a future prophet of Joseph’s lineage, but it is ominously prescient that Joseph Smith would also be slain for his testimony of Jesus Christ.