Notice how many details Alma knew concerning the birth of Christ:
1. He knew the mother of the Savior will be called Mary.
2. He knew that she would be a virgin.
3. He knew that she would be “overshadowed.” Luke says “by the power of the highest” and that is why he will be called the Son of God.1
4. Finally, that at the time of her conception she will be under the quickening influence of the Holy Ghost.
Now comes a verse of scripture which might have been shocking to the people as they thought about it. Alma said:
“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.”