Time of Christ's Visit to the Nephites.

When did Christ visit the Nephites? Was it during the forty days, or after his final ascension from the Mount of Olives?

(See John 20:17; III Nephi 11:12; Acts 1:3.)

While there is room for question, so far as the account given in the Book of Mormon is concerned, whether Messiah's appearance to the Nephites occurred before or after his ascension from the Mount of Olives, the consensus of opinion of Book of Mormon students is, that it occurred after the ascension, and not during the forty days. The only difficulty in the way of accepting this interpretation is the length of time the people were gathered near the temple in Bountiful discussing the strange events; but it must be remembered that the people doubtless came from remote parts to that central place, impelled by a great desire to be near the sacred center of their land, in their great affliction. This travel would require considerable time, and with fresh additions to the crowd, the subject of the great changes of the land would come up for renewed discussion. Add to this, the fact that these people were of Israelitish descent, and, therefore, given to long periods of mourning over great calamities, and the difficulty is entirely overcome. Furthermore, it was doubtless the design of Messiah that people from all parts of the various Nephite lands would be witnesses of his appearance. Therefore, an impelling desire and a considerable length of time would be absolutely necessary to bring about this great assemblage.