Alma 8

As I continue to study the preaching of the gospel of Alma and Amulek in Ammonihah, I pondered the commnets of Mormon that -

"...Alma went forth, and also Amulek, among the people, to declare the words of God unto them; and they were filled with the Holy Ghost.
31 And they had power given unto them, insomuch that they could not be confined in dungeons; neither was it possible that any man could slay them; nevertheless they did not exercise their power until they were bound in bands and cast into prison.  Now, this was done that the Lord might show forth his power in them."  (Book of Mormon | Alma 8:30 - 31)

I can't help but marvel at these brethren's restraint and patience. That is, not to exercise this power until they have suffered much.  Maybe this is what "long-suffering" means...patience and restraint.