Comments on 3 Nephi 27 The twelve disciples unite themselves in fasting and prayer because they have a question they need answered (v. 1). Jesus appears to them and asks them what they need (v. 2). They respond by saying they would like him to tell them what to name the church because there are arguments among the people concerning what the name ought to be (v. 3). Jesus replies that they ought not to argue amongst themselves (v. 4) as it is plain the church should be in his name (v. 5-8). But, more importantly, the church should be built on his works as defined by his gospel (v. 9-12). Jesus then defines the fundamentals of his "gospel" (v. 13-22). Jesus then turns his attention specifically to the twelve disciples. He admonishes them to write down the things they have been commanded to write (v. 23-26) because they will be judges among their people (v. 27). He tells them he will leave them, but in his absence they can ask the Father for guidance and He will provide it (v. 28-29). He expresses joy over the present generation being saved (v. 30-31) and sorrow over the fourth generation which will sell him out for the things of the world (v. 32). He then comments that few enter into the narrow gate while many enter the broad gate (v. 33). v3 "we will that thou wouldst tell us", the core of the dispute appears to be lack of an explicit statement by Jesus of "You shall call my church 'The Church of Christ'". The disciples has already adopted the name "the church of Christ" per 26:21 and Jesus makes it clear there is an implicit statement in v. 5, so the only thing lacking is an explicit statement by himself. v4-12 Jesus' rebukes those involved in the dispute by saying it is merely over a point in doctrine and name. What they should really be focusing on is their walk, not their talk. Particularly note in v. 8 Jesus says that if the church is in his name and if they are built on his gospel then it is his church. If it is called by his name and they are not doing his works, then they are not his church. The confirming factor is works. v5 The answer the question was already in the scriptures, but as is so often the case with contentious people they ignore what they have and demand more. Regarding the doctrinal content of this verse, cp. Mosiah 5:7-12. v11 "the works of men, or upon the works of the devil", I would take the "or" to be an equation of the works of men and the works of the devil, not a conditional. The works of men are the works of the devil, cf. Alma 5:41-42. v13-22 The gospel, or 'good news' or 'glad tidings', is that Jesus has done the will of the Father (v. 13) in bringing about the resurrection and judgement of all men (v. 14-15). Whoever repents, is baptized, and endures to the end will be found guiltless at Judgement (v. 16, 20). Those who fail to endure to the end will be damned because no unclean thing can enter into heaven (v. 17, 19). This is what the Father had said to men, and so it will be fulfilled because he speaks the truth (v. 18). They know what they are supposed to do because they have seen Jesus' example (v. 21), and if they follow his example they will be exalted at Judgement (v. 22). v25-26 Just as there is a heavenly record of things on earth (v. 26), so should there be an earthly record (v. 25). But, if there is a heavenly record out of which people will be judged, then what purpose is the earthly record with respect to Judgement? See 2 Ne. 30:16-18 for the answer. v30-31 Jesus probably told the twelve this so they would know the present generation is saved and things won't go bad for some time. Even though there is some contention among them, as evidenced by the dispute concerning the name of the church (cf. v. 3), it is petty and will not result in anyone losing their standing in heaven. v33 I would assume this is an additional comment on the subject of v. 30-32. Just as there are some who enter in at the strait gate, those of v. 30-31, there are many more who enter the broad gate, those of v. 32. That he is specifically talking to the twelve disciples when he says this can be taken as him telling them they are granted the privilege of entering in the strait gate. I cannot see how this could be taken as an admonition to the twelve disciples. It is plain they are already in the strait gate, as they are sanctified (cf. 19:25) and in the next chapter Jesus effectively makes the calling and election sure for nine of them and translates the other three. Copyright © 2001 by S. Kurt Neumiller . All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced in any form or by any means for commercial gain without the express written consent of the author. Digital or printed copies may be freely made and distributed for personal and public non-commercial use.