Ellen Chat Conversation

The disciples were chosen from different walks of life and had a wide variety of characters. Ellen White describes them as representing "widely varied types of character" who were to become the world's teachers (Ed 85.3). Here is a breakdown of the individual characters of the disciples as described in her writings: * **Levi Matthew:** A publican, called from a life of business and subservience to Rome (Ed 85.3). * **Simon the Zealot:** The "uncompromising foe of the imperial authority," standing in stark contrast to Matthew (Ed 85.3). * **Peter:** Described as "impulsive, self-sufficient, [and] warmhearted" (Ed 85.3). He was a pioneer in taking the gospel to the non-Jewish world (Ed 86.2). * **Andrew:** Peter's brother (Ed 85.3). * **Judas Iscariot:** A Judean who was "polished, capable, and mean-spirited" (Ed 85.3). He was capable of preeminence among the disciples but ultimately gave in to temptation and "resisting the transforming power of grace and indulging selfish desires, was brought into bondage to Satan" (AA 558.1). * **Philip and Thomas:** Both were "faithful and earnest, yet slow of heart to believe" (Ed 85.3). * **James the Less and Jude:** While less prominent, they were "men of force, positive both in their faults and in their virtues" (Ed 85.3). * **Nathanael:** Characterized as "a child in sincerity and trust" (Ed 85.3). * **James and John (the sons of Zebedee):** They were ambitious and loving-hearted (Ed 85.3). They were not naturally meek and were called "the sons of thunder" because any slight shown to Jesus would arouse their "indignation and combativeness" (DA 295.5). ### Transformation of Character A central theme is the transformation of the disciples' characters through their association with Jesus. All of them had "serious faults" when they were called (DA 295.5). * **John's Example:** The "beloved disciple" John is a prime example of this change. He was proud, ambitious, and had an evil temper. However, "day by day, in contrast with his own violent spirit, he beheld the tenderness and forbearance of Jesus... He opened his heart to the divine influence, and became not only a hearer but a doer of the Saviour's words. Self was hid in Christ" (DA 295.5). * **From Fear to Boldness:** After the crucifixion, the disciples were a "helpless, discouraged company—as sheep without a shepherd" (YRP 275.2). But after the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, they were transformed. They preached with "mighty power" and became "heroes of faith" whose words "shook the world" (1SG 80.1, YRP 275.3). ### Unity in Diversity Despite their different backgrounds and flawed characters, Christ's goal was to bring them into unity. The burden of His labor for them was expressed in His prayer: "that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us" (John 17:21, as quoted in Ed 86.3). Their office was considered "the most important to which human beings had ever been called, second only to that of Christ Himself" (AA 19.1).

Ellen White describes the "time of trouble" as a future period of unprecedented crisis that will occur just before the second coming of Jesus. ### The Nature of the Crisis This period is described as a time of intense trial and affliction. It is referred to as the “time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time” (GC 613), quoting from the book of Daniel. The severity of this ordeal is emphasized: "The most vivid presentation cannot reach the magnitude of the ordeal. In that time of trial, every soul must stand for himself before God" (GC 622.4). This period is also specifically identified as "the time of Jacob's trouble," a time of great distress for God's people from which they will be saved (GC 616.1, Jeremiah 30:7). ### The Timing of the Trouble Ellen White makes a clear distinction about when this period occurs. It is not the same as the pouring out of the seven last plagues. Instead, it is "a short period just before they are poured out, while Christ is in the sanctuary. At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel" (EW 85.3). She cautioned against setting specific dates for Christ's return, noting that "the time of trouble must take place before the coming of Christ" (1T 72.2). ### The Experience Needed Surviving this period will require a deep and personal faith that is not dependent on others. "We shall need an experience which we do not now possess and which many are too indolent to obtain" (GC 622.4). The trial will be so intense that every person must stand for themselves: “Though Noah, Daniel, and Job” were in the land, “as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness” (GC 622.4, quoting Ezekiel 14:20). ### God's Role and Deliverance Despite the severity of the crisis, God will not abandon His people. The promise is that "at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book" (GC 613, quoting Daniel 12:1). Just before this time, God will send the "latter rain," which is the "refreshing from the presence of the Lord," to empower His people and prepare them to stand through the final events (EW 85.3). While the time will require self-denial, she assures that "in that fearful hour our necessity will be God's opportunity to impart His strengthening power, and to sustain His people" (1T 206.1).

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