The third installment in the Book of Mormon Commentary Series is entitled The Record of Alma. This book is 568 pages, and covers the first 42 Chapters of the book of Alma. Two men named Alma are prominent in the Book of Mormon. The first one was prominent in the last half of the book of Mosiah, and is discussed in Volume 2 of the series. He was best known for his organization of the Church in the land of Mormon (Mosiah 18). The second was Alma's son, also named Alma. He became the first chief judge of the new political system established among the Nephites in the land of Zarahemla in 91 B.C. The new government is referred to in the Book of Mormon as the reign of the judges. The son of Alma was also appointed the high priest of the Church by his father, giving him charge over all the affairs of the Church. (Mosiah 29:42-47). The first forty-four chapters of the Book of Alma are an abridgement made by Mormon of the record of Alma. This record was kept by or under the direction of Alma, the son of Alma. These first forty-two chapters of Alma are discussed in volume 3. Although covering less than a twenty year period (91-74 B.C), these chapters are rich in principles and doctrines that contribute to the validation of the Book of Mormon as containing the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
