Nephi outlines Laman and Lemuel's complaints that were expressed as they traveled in the wilderness. They were angry with him for acting as a 'ruler' over them. But the problem was that when it came time to solve problems Laman and Lemuel could not handle it. They resorted to complaining instead of finding solutions. Nephi however, knew that he could always turn to the Lord to get answers and when no answer was officially given to move forward and the way would be made clear. It is great faith and trust in the Lord that quickly placed him into the leadership position. I believe he knew that if he didn't act his own family, not to mention his own self, would have suffered at the hands of Laman and Lemuel and their leadership, just as we see later in 2 Nephi when the two factions are created.
How interesting that from the beginning the brothers were tested to see who could accomplish the commandments of the Lord. Laman and Lemuel wanted to solve their problems by complaining and violence. And then at this time the angel intervenes on Nephi's behalf. Nephi trusted in the lord and went forth not knowing beforehand the way he should go.
In verse 39 then we learn from Nephi that his brothers called him a liar, that they didn't believe that angels had ministered unto him. An ANGEL ministered to all four of the older brethren when they went to get the plates. So why wouldn't it be possible to have other angels minister to him since that time. They knew it was possible. They were grasping at straws.
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