Following the resurrection of Jesus Christ, during His ministry among the inhabitants of the Promised Land, a group of twelve disciples were called to lead and teach His gospel, mirroring the apostolic calling in the Old World. Three of these disciples, often referred to as the Three Nephite Disciples, expressed a unique desire to Jesus — they wished to remain on earth to continue ministering to people until His Second Coming, akin to the desire of John the Beloved (3 Nephi 28:1-6). Recognizing the righteousness of their desire, Christ granted their wish. He blessed them with the promise that they would not taste of death, would not endure the pains of physical death, or suffer sorrow except for the sins of the world (3 Nephi 28:7-9). This indicated a form of translation, a change from a mortal state wherein the disciples were left on earth as immortal beings until the time of Jesus’ return in glory.
The transformed state of these disciples was such that they were caught up into heaven and experienced unspeakable things, which they were not permitted to disclose (3 Nephi 28:13-18). Their ministry among the people of Nephi was characterized by powerful miracles, conversions, and the founding of many in the Church through baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost (3 Nephi 28:18-23). Nevertheless, they faced severe persecution, including attempts to imprison, bury alive, burn, or throw them to wild beasts, all of which they miraculously withstood without harm due to their sanctified and translated condition (3 Nephi 28:19-22).
Though their personal names are not provided in the record—deliberately concealed from the world by divine command (3 Nephi 28:25)—their influence and miraculous works continued over centuries. They ministered to later prophets such as Mormon and Moroni, leaving evidence of their continued presence and divine appointment (3 Nephi 28:26; Mormon 8:10-11). Though they were eventually taken from among the increasingly wicked Nephite population (Mormon 1:13), their work would not cease. Prophetic words assured that they would have a significant role in the ministering to the Gentiles, Jews, and all scattered tribes of Israel, working marvelous works before the Day of Judgment and bringing many souls unto Christ (3 Nephi 28:27-32).
The Three Nephite Disciples, therefore, hold a unique place within the Book of Mormon narrative—as translated beings with a mission to serve and a promise of eventual immortal glory (3 Nephi 28:7-10, 39-40). Their story speaks to the power of the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ, allowing for individuals to transcend mortal limits in the service of God and humanity.