Mormon includes the historical context for the doctrinal teachings that follow. The Savior had already taught the Nephites that the law of Moses was fulfilled in him, and that the rites and sacrifices associated with it were to cease. The further elaboration on this teaching comes in this chapter as a result of the people’s marvelling and wondering concerning the meaning of the Lord’s words.
These Nephites, and generations before them, had known no other system of gospel living than the Mosaic law. All of their worship, religious rites, and Church organization were built upon the law. In one marvelous moment the resurrected Lawgiver virtually changed their entire religious structure. It is no wonder that it was difficult for them to comprehend that the “old things” (the law of Moses) bad “passed away” and “all things had become new.”