KnoWhy #54 - Who are the "Few" Who were Permitted to See the Plates? (2 Nephi 27:12-13)

Nephi prophesied that there would be multiple groups of people who would see the plates upon which the Book of Mormon was written. First, he specifically mention 3 witnesses, then a “few,” and also “as many witnesses as seemeth [the Lord] good.” These distinctions appear to reflect the Three Witnesses who saw the plates and the angels, the Eight Witnesses who saw and handled the plates, and the many others who physically interacted with the plates in some way, thus becoming “unofficial witnesses.” The Book of Mormon Witnesses offer powerful evidence of the Book of Mormon, but also serve as examples of personal dedication and sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel.