The synoptic gospels record that Jesus was transfigured before his disciples Peter, James, and John. 3 Nephi also records that three of Jesus' New World apostles were also transfigured on another occasion. The accounts of the respective transfigurations of Jesus and the 3 Nephites share thematic links to the temple and the doctrine of theosis or deification, thus enriching these narratives and adding to them depth and complexity.