Romans 11

Paul teaches the Romans, both Jew and Gentile, that grace and works go hand in hand making it clear -

"...that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:23)

Why else would he speak of both the righteous and wickedness (or cutting off) of Israel or in other words speaking of some righteous Israelites -

"Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace." (New Testament | Romans 11:5)

I was impressed with the words of Isaiah -

"According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day." (New Testament | Romans 11:8)

The meaning of God given "spirit of slumber" is the God given eternal gift of agency where man may choose to slumber, not see, or not hear. It becomes clear that these, even though they might claim to believe will be cut off. That is why Paul shares the relationship of grace and works -

"And if by grace [or grace only], then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works [or works only], then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." (New Testament | Romans 11:6)

I have placed some imput in brackets which I believe makes the verse very clear.

"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (New Testament | Romans 11:33)

Romans 10

As Paul teaches the saints in Rome, he seems to be consistently describing the need and relationship of both faith and righteousness. There is much written in the Old Testament of the importance of one's heart. In my mind, the heart is our most inward desires. Paul speaks of the revelations of the Prophets -

"...The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach." (New Testament | Romans 10:8)

The word of faith is the doctrine and gospel of Jesus Christ including the teachings and commandments He gave. So Paul tells the Roman saints -

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (New Testament | Romans 10:9)

In my mind, confess would be to testify of your knowledge and committment to the Lord Jesus Christ and then Paul adds another condition "and shalt believe in thine heart". Believe in ones heart would follow what Paul had previous written -

"For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." (New Testament | Romans 2:13)

"Believe in thine heart" then would suggest being "doers" of the commandments for Paul explains -

"For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness..." (New Testament | Romans 10:10)

In other words, one that "believes in ones heart" would be one that would do the works or strive to do the works of righteousness. Works of righteousness are keeping the commandments, ordinances, and covenants the Savior has taught.

Romans 9

It is apparent as Paul writes to the Romans that the Jewish converts still have this core believe that they are saved just be being descendents of Abraham. John the Baptist had already diputed this whole premise as he taught -

"...that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham." (New Testament | Matthew 3:9)

John made it clear that there were salvation had its conditions for -

"...the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." (New Testament | Matthew 3:10)

Paul now teaches much the same to the Roman Jewish converts -

"...For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children..." (New Testament | Romans 9:6 - 7)

"That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed." (New Testament | Romans 9:8)

Israel is only Isreal, or the faithful will become Israel if they demonstrate faith through righteouness or as Paul taught -

"What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith." (New Testament | Romans 9:30)

Romans 8

As Paul continues to teach the necessity of righteousness and striving to master temptations of the flesh, he teaches the Roman coverts -

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (New Testament | Romans 8:14)

Though we are all spirit children of our Father in Heaven, we begin to further understand what Paul also is teaching from other prophets -

"...now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 5:7)

"...even he commanded them that they should preach nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord, who had redeemed his people.
21 And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.
22 And thus he commanded them to preach. And thus they became the children of God." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 18:20 - 22)

"...now I say unto you, who shall declare his generation? Behold, I say unto you, that when his soul has been made an offering for sin he shall see his seed. And now what say ye? And who shall be his seed?
11 Behold I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the words of the prophets, yea, all the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord—I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins, I say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 15:10 - 11)

Even the Savior Himself said -

"Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters." (Book of Mormon | Ether 3:14)

This concept of father, son, and daughter begins to explain the eternal nature and relationship of things. Thus Paul taught -

"...ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God..." (New Testament | Romans 8:15 - 16)

And thus -

"...if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ..." (New Testament | Romans 8:17)

I don't believe Paul's teachings could be more clear, but only -

"...if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (New Testament | Romans 8:17)

Romans 7

As I read Paul's writings this morning, I found it difficult to understand some of the things he was trying to say. I felt that much of the writings in this chapter must have been lost or with incomplete meaning in translation. Without the translation of the Prophet Joseph Smith, I think much would be misunderstood.

In summary, I felt Paul was trying to suggest that he learned basic obedience and principles within the law of Moses. But also suggested that the law was limited, only to be used as a schoolmaster. He now understood, even though it was good, it was limited in bringing one unto salvation. He explained -

"For we know that the commandment is spiritual: but when I ws under law, I was yet carnal, sold under sin." (JST) (New Testament | Romans 7:14)

At one time he felt he was in strict compliance with the law, but with the coming of Jesus Christ, and the fulness of the gospel being taught, Paul recognized the greater burden and purpose of life in living as Christ taught. Comparing the Mosaic law to the gospel of Jesus Christ, he said -

"But now I am spiritual; for that which I am commanded to do, I do; and that which I am commanded not to allow, I allow not:
16 For what I know is not right, I would not do; for that which is sin, I hate." (JST(New Testament | Romans 7:15)

Being spiritual or being obedient to the gospel of Jesus Christ, inward righteousness, Paul now teaches -

"For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." (New Testament | Romans 7:22 - 25)

As good and righteous a man like Paul was, I find it interesting that he confesses that he himself, and apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ is still challenged with temptations of the flesh.

Romans 6

I need to be a little careful in saying this, but of those that believe that all they have to do is accept Jesus as their Savior to be saved, have not read or do not understanding the teachings of Paul to the Romans. I am amazed as I read Paul's counsel that this belief couldn't be father from what was taught by Paul. In teaching that we are saved by the grace of Jesus Christ, he then asks -

"WHAT shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" (New Testament | Romans 6:1 - 2)

In other words, God forbid that we continue a life of sin, but should live a life of obedience and righteousness. If all that is required than accept the atonement of Jesus Christ, then why would we teach to avoid sin? The very doctrine and saving ordinance of baptism is -

"...so we also should walk in newness of life." (New Testament | Romans 6:4)

...striving to be more like the Savior. In baptism we covenanat to be -

"...willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them." (Book of Mormon | Moroni 4:3)

Paul continues his teaching -

"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members (being parts of the body) as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God." (New Testament | Romans 6:12 - 13)

Why would Paul give such an instruction if it had no bearing on salvation?

"Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (New Testament | Romans 6:18)

In summary, Paul makes it clear -

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (New Testament | Romans 6:23)

Romans 5

In preface to teaching the Romans the magnitude of atonement of Jesus Christ compared to the fall of Adam, he teaches two important doctrines, first -

"THEREFORE being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (New Testament | Romans 5:1 - 2)

In my mind, "justified" would mean, atoned, saved, ratified, or even approved. We become justified by faith, not on our own, but through the atonement of Jesus Christ. By such we receive peace and then hope of the opportunity to experience God's life. But what is interesting is what teaches how our experiences or tribulations in this life also strenghthens our faith and hope -

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (New Testament | Romans 5:3 - 5)

It is in this life that we are blessed (seems like an oxymoron) with tribulations. Tribulations can cause two results; 1) losing faith or 2) worketh patience. Patience is a form of testing ones faith. Paul teaches that patience leads to experience. And experience leads to hope which increases our faith or faithfulness or as Paul states (maketh not ashamed). In this process we are not left alone for Paul promised "the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us".

I am reminded of the words of the Savior to the Prophet Joseph Smith during his greatest tribulation in Libery Jail -

"...know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 122:7)

And again, with such, we become -

"...justified by faith...through our Lord Jesus Christ" (New Testament | Romans 5:1)

Romans 4

In trying to help the Jewish converts understand the doctrine of Christ and its relationship and justification through faith and works, Paul turns to the life of Abraham, one that all Jews revered, to teach his point. And to accomplish that he returns to the Jewish tradition (or works) of circumcision -

For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." (New Testament | Romans 4:2 - 3)

"...who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised." (New Testament | Romans 4:12)

First and foremost, Abraham was a righteous man before circumcision because of his faith in the Lord. And even then, because of faith, he obeyed the commandments of the Lord including circumcision -

"...for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness." (New Testament | Romans 4:9)

Abraham was an example that faith and obedience go hand in hand. Circumcision then became a tradition or sign of remembrance of the covenants the Lord made with Abraham. But even this tradition or works had not the power of salvation. This power came only through faith on Jesus Christ and the atonement. True faith requires obedience. Performing the tradition or Mosaic law of circumcision was meaningless if it did not lead to obedience and faith.

It appears that even though Paul taught that obedience to the law of Moses or as he referred to as "works" was not necessary to righteous, he recognized that it may still lead to obedience and faith amongst the Jewish faithful. Of such though, Paul makes it perfectly clear -

"For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect..." (New Testament | Romans 4:13 - 14)

The great covenants and promises to Abraham, his seed, and faithful saints then is based conditioned upon righteousness and faith, not the Mosaic law with related works.

Romans 3

As one reads the first two chapters and the beginning of the third chapter of Romans, it becomes very clear the importance of righteousness and obedience to the commandments of God. Paul makes it clear that this is not a light matter. Even some of the Roman converts were trying to justify sin and wickedness the demonstrate the righteousness of God. Paul strongly denounces such doctrine.

After establishing the will and conditions of the Lord of repentance and striving for righteousness, Paul acknowledges of he and his brethren, as ancient prophets so testified -

"...are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one..." (New Testament | Romans 3:9 - 10)

Suggesting that all are in need of repentance and the atonement of Jesus Christ. Is it any wonder he now teaches this true doctrine -

"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight..." (New Testament | Romans 3:20)

In this case, I believe he is speaking directly to the Jewish converts in their belief of the Mosaic law. He continues -

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus..." (New Testament | Romans 3:23 - 24)

Therefore, making it clear -

"Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith." (New Testament | Romans 3:27)

Obedience to His commandments builds and demonstrates faith in Him. Paul explains this saying -

"Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." (New Testament | Romans 3:30 - 31)

In this case, he is suggesting to his Jewish converts, that the obedience to the Mosaic law does not and cannot in itsef bring salvation or justification. I believe he is not saying herein that the Savior came to destroy the law of Moses but to fulfill it. In other words, continual obedience to the law would help the Jewish converts remember to be obedient to the commanments and demonstrate faith in Him.

Those Christians that believe that all they have to do is accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, and all wickedness there after doesn't matter. If they believe that, they have not read the words of Paul to the Romans.

Nephi summarized this doctrine in these few words -

"For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:23)

Why else would the Savior teach -

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." (New Testament | John 14:15)

Romans 2

As Paul writes to both the Christian Jew and Gentile converts, I note two important doctrines. The first being the same doctrine Mormon taught -

"...behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil..." (Book of Mormon | Moroni 7:16)

Paul also told the Romans -

"...For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another..." (New Testament | Romans 2:13 - 15)

It seems clear to me that everyman is given a light, conscience or sense of that which is right and has the burden to seek out truth, light, and righteousness to the best of their ability.

Throughout generations, the Lord has provided instruction or laws to help his children keep in remembrance there sacred covenants and obligations. Some being "Saving" ordinances or laws while others are provided to keep in remembrance. After all the conflict witht he Jews and gentiles concerning circumcision, Paul said to the Roman Jews -

"For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." (New Testament | Romans 2:25 - 29)

Paul is teaching that we have to be very careful with traditions of remembrance. These traditions are not saving traditions. Our true obligation is obedience -

"...and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." (New Testament | Romans 2:29)

In other words -

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." (New Testament | John 14:15)

Romans 1

As Paul wrote the Romans, he shared one of his most greatest desires -

"Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established..." (New Testament | Romans 1:10 - 11)

I sense Paul had s sincere desire to address, or speak and teach the saints in Rome such that they might be edified by the Spirit in such a manner that they would never forget. That it would be something they would always remember. Something were they would be edified to the ends of their lives.

There are times that I speak that I wish the same. I realize in most cases it may sustain the saints for a period. But wouldn't it be marvelous to teach something that an individual never forgets. This is why we do the things we do. Who knows its reaching affect.

Acts 28

The Jews were very familiar with words of Isaiah. There is no question that the Isaiah prophecied concerning the Savior and the people in the meridian of times as in the latter days. I think it is interesting that Paul, having testified of the gosple of Jesus Christ, quotes Isaiah saying -

"...Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." (New Testament | Acts 28:25 - 27)

So Paul told them -

"Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it." (New Testament | Acts 28:28)

Now, years later, here in the latter days, the same prophecy applies. Many Christians are familiar with the prophecy of Isaiah and Paul's address to the Jews in Rome. But just as the Jews in Rome, many still reject the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ for the same reason.

Acts 27

As Paul was in prison in Jerusalem -

"...the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome." (New Testament | Acts 23:11)

For many people, had they received this prophecy, they would assume that the Lord would make their paths "straight" to Rome. But what is interesting is the time and process by which Paul worked his way to Rome. First, Paul was threatened to be killed by the Jews so he went to be held and judged by Felix, Festus, and even King Agrippa. He was not held for a short time but several years. Eventually we read that began his trip to be tried by Caeser by entering a ship in Adramyttium.

Again, one would assume that this would be again a straight course, but -

"...when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone..." (New Testament | Acts 27:7)

And then Paul knowing -

Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,
10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives." (New Testament | Acts 27:9 - 10)

They sailed anyway, and eventually after days of tempest storms, when they were about to shipwreck, Paul prophecied -

"...after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.
23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cæsar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island." (New Testament | Acts 27:21 - 26)

This was pretty bold prophecy in that there were 276 people on the ship. And as prophecied -

"...they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.
42 And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.
43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:
44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land." (New Testament | Acts 27:41 - 44)

A miracle was had as these sailors followed the counsel of a prophet of God. My thoughts this morning is that sometimes we feel our paths should be made straight, but the Savior has said -

"...it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:68)

Eventually Paul did make it to Rome, but probably not in a manner he would have imagined. With all this, I couldn't help but think of the Prophet Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail.

Acts 26

As I have continued over several year to write my "Scripture Blog", in that in doing so, I feel I have written as Paul taught King Agrippa -

"Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come..." (New Testament | Acts 26:22)

Not only our my words of great help to myself as I ponder the words of the prophets, I also feel the same as Paul -

"...I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am..." (New Testament | Acts 26:29)

That is that I might persuade others "to be a Christian", and a member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - His modern day Church with restored priesthood keys.

Acts 24

In Paul's day, there were those (Sadducees) that did not believe in any resurrection. There were those that believed that only the children of Abraham (Pharisees) would be resurrected. Even today there are many Christians that believe that only the righteous will be resurrected. But Paul understood the truth of the resurrection and said to Felix -

"...that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust." (New Testament | Acts 24:15)

Paul also wrote to the Corinthians -

"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 15:22)

This is the same doctrine taught by the Savior -

"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." (New Testament | John 5:28 - 29)

It is clear that all will be resurrected. But resurrection does not necessarily mean all things are equal. Paul also taught the Corinthians -

"There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead..." (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 15:40 - 42)

Acts 23

As Paul testified before the Sanhedrin that -

"...I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." (New Testament | Acts 23:1)

Ananias, in my mind, a wicked high priest commanded that Paul be smote on the mouth. This is the same high priest that smote Jesus. Paul understanding Jewish law said to Ananias -

"..God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?" (New Testament | Acts 23:3)

You can sense the prideful arrogance of the Sanhedrin as that questioned -

"...Revilest thou God's high priest?" (New Testament | Acts 23:4)

What is interesting is that Paul answered -

"...I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people." New Testament | Acts 23:5)

...or that he knew not it was the high priest.

As I read that this morning, it was hard for me to believe that Paul did not know that Ananais was the high priest or that for some reason he could nnot physically see him. Even though my thoughts are of little doctrinal importance, I felt I was getting to know Paul a little bit better in that I sensed this was more of a comment of sarcasm than anything. Here he stood before the head of the Sanhedrin, one who held a priestly office, who was exercising the epidemy of unrighteous dominion. I wondered if Paul was suggesting in sarcasm - "who would believe that one who was so prideful and evil could possibly a high priest thus suggesting - "I couldn't believe that this man of this nature could really be a high priest".

Acts 22

As Paul addresses the mob in Jerusalem, he recounts -

"...as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.
7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest." (New Testament | Acts 22:6 - 8)

What is interesting were -

"...they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me." (New Testament | Acts 22:9)

This would suggest to me that in many visions, the voice of the Lord is not an audible voice, but a small voice directed, to what I would suggest, ones mind. The prophet Enos recounts -

"...there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed." (Book of Mormon | Enos 1:5)

Much like Paul, Enos testified that a voice came 'saying" to him. As he continued in prayer for his bethren, Enos again testifies -

"...while I was thus struggling in the spirit, behold, the voice of the Lord came into my mind again, saying..." (Book of Mormon | Enos 1:10)

This would suggest that the voice of the Lord is not necessarily an audible voice. We also learn that shortly before the appearance of the Savior in the Americas, as the people -

"...were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 11:3)

Again we learn that all did not hear for Nephi recorded that th small voice did pierce them that did hear. As we read the scriptures, things may not be as we would logically think.