EGW → Biblical Foundation
Select an Ellen White book from the sidebar to see each passage mapped to the Bible verses it amplifies, cites, or echoes.
Scripture Index
Ellen White & Bible Cross-Reference
1 Thessalonians 2:4
"But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts."
"***** Our sanitariums are to be established for one object—the proclamation of the truth for this time. And they are to be so conducted that a decided impression in favor of the truth will be made on the minds of those who come to them for treatment. The conduct of each worker is to tell on the side of right. We have a warning message to bear to the world, and our earnestness, our devotion to God's service, are to bear witness to the truth. 8T 200.2"
Both passages highlight the idea of being entrusted with a message or truth to share. EGW speaks of a warning message, while 1 Thessalonians speaks of being entrusted with the gospel.
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
"But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us."
"With a deep, earnest interest to help your students, carry them over the ground of knowledge. Come as close to them as you can. Unless teachers have the love and gentleness of Christ abounding in their hearts, they will manifest too much of the spirit of a harsh, domineering schoolmaster. “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Jude 21-23 . CT 253.2"
Both passages emphasize gentleness, affection, and a willingness to impart not only knowledge but also oneself to others. While EGW quotes Jude 21-23, the overall sentiment of caring for and nurturing students aligns with the tenderness described in 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8.
1 Thessalonians 2:8
"So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us."
"There is danger of both parents and teachers commanding and dictating too much, while they fail to come sufficiently into social relation with their children, or their scholars. They often hold themselves too much reserved, and exercise their authority in a cold, unsympathizing manner, which cannot win the hearts of their children and pupils. If they would gather the children close to them, and show that they love them, and manifest an interest in all their efforts, and even in their sports, and sometimes be even a child among them, they would make the children very happy, would gain their love, and win their confidence. And the children would sooner respect and love the authority of their parents and teachers. CE 7.2"
Both passages emphasize the importance of affection and genuine care in relationships. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 speaks of imparting not only the gospel but also one's own soul, while EGW stresses the need for parents and teachers to show love and interest in their children/pupils.
"People are easily reached through the avenues of the social circle. But many ministers dread the task of visiting; they have not cultivated social qualities, have not acquired that genial spirit that wins its way to the hearts of the people. It is highly important that a pastor should mingle much with his people, that he may become acquainted with the different phases of human nature, readily understand the workings of the mind, adapt his teachings to the intellect of his people, and learn that grand charity possessed only by those who closely study the nature and needs of men. 4T 266.5"
Both passages highlight the importance of ministers connecting with people on a personal level and demonstrating genuine care and affection. The EGW passage emphasizes the need for ministers to mingle with their people and understand their needs, while 1 Thessalonians 2:8 describes the apostle's willingness to impart not only the gospel but also their own souls.
"Since parents so rarely acquaint themselves with the teacher, it is the more important that the teacher seek the acquaintance of parents. He should visit the homes of his pupils and gain a knowledge of the influences and surroundings among which they live. By coming personally in touch with their homes and lives, he may strengthen the ties that bind him to his pupils and may learn how to deal more successfully with their different dispositions and temperaments. Ed 284.4"
Both passages emphasize the importance of personal connection and going beyond the basic requirements in caring for others. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 speaks of sharing one's soul, while EGW advocates for teachers to connect with students' homes and lives.
Some ministers fail of success because they do not give their undivided interest to the work, when very much depends upon persistent, well-directed labor. They are not true laborers; they do not pursue their work outside of the pulpit. They shirk the duty of going from house to house and laboring wisely in the home circle. They need to cultivate that rare Christian courtesy which would render them kind and considerate toward the souls under their care, working for them with true earnestness and faith, teaching them the way of life. GW 382.1 ***** There are in the ministry men who gain apparent success by swaying minds through human influence. They play upon the feelings at will, making their hearers weep, and in a few minutes laugh. Under labor of this kind, many are moved by impulse to profess Christ, and there is thought to be a wonderful revival; but when the test comes, the work does not endure. Feelings are stirred, and many are borne along by the tide that seems to be setting hea…
Both passages emphasize the importance of ministers/apostles being deeply invested in the well-being of their flock, going beyond mere preaching to personal care and dedication. Paul's willingness to impart his very soul aligns with White's call for ministers to labor wisely in the home circle and show true earnestness and faith.
"Teachers often fail of coming sufficiently into social relation with their pupils. They manifest too little sympathy and tenderness, and too much of the dignity of the stern judge. While the teacher must be firm and decided, he should not be exacting or dictatorial. To be harsh and censorious, to stand aloof from his pupils or treat them indifferently, is to close the avenues through which he might influence them for good. Ed 280.1"
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of teachers building relationships with their students through sympathy and tenderness, mirroring the sentiment in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 where Paul expresses his deep affection and willingness to share not only the gospel but also his own soul. Both passages highlight the significance of personal connection in teaching and guiding others.
"Personal Ministry In the work of many ministers there is too much sermonizing and too little real heart-to-heart work. There is need of more personal labor for souls. In Christlike sympathy the minister should come close to men individually, and seek to awaken their interest in the great things of eternal life. Their hearts may be as hard as the beaten highway, and apparently it may be a useless effort to present the Saviour to them; but while logic may fail to move, and argument be powerless to convince, the love of Christ, revealed in personal ministry, may soften the stony heart, so that the seed of truth can take root. GW 185"
Both passages emphasize the importance of personal connection and affection in ministry. EGW advocates for "heart-to-heart work" and "Christlike sympathy," while 1 Thessalonians 2:8 describes the apostles' deep affection for the Thessalonians, willing to impart not only the gospel but also their own souls.
"The instructors will find it greatly to their advantage to take hold disinterestedly with the students in manual labor, showing them how to work. By co-operating with the youth in this practical way, the teachers can bind the hearts of the students to themselves by the cords of sympathy and brotherly love. Christian kindness and sociability are powerful factors in winning the affections of the youth. CT 208.2"
Both passages highlight the importance of leaders/teachers forming a close, affectionate bond with those they lead/teach. The EGW passage speaks of binding hearts through sympathy and brotherly love, while 1 Thessalonians 2:8 describes a willingness to impart not only the gospel but also one's own soul.
"A pastor should mingle freely with the people for whom he labors, that by becoming acquainted with them he may know how to adapt his teaching to their needs. When a minister has preached a sermon, his work has but just begun. There is personal work for him to do. He should visit the people in their homes, talking and praying with them in earnestness and humility. There are families who will never be reached by the truths of God's word unless the stewards of His grace enter their homes and point them to the higher way. But the hearts of those who do this work must throb in unison with the heart of Christ. AA 363.2"
Both passages emphasize the personal investment and care that ministers should have for those they serve. The EGW passage speaks of 'hearts that throb in unison with the heart of Christ,' while 1 Thessalonians 2:8 describes imparting 'our own souls.'
"In lines of recreation for the student the best results will be attained through the personal co-operation of the teacher. The true teacher can impart to his pupils few gifts so valuable as the gift of his own companionship. It is true of men and women, and how much more of youth and children, that only as we come in touch through sympathy can we understand them; and we need to understand in order most effectively to benefit. To strengthen the tie of sympathy between teacher and student there are few means that count so much as pleasant association together outside the schoolroom. In some schools the teacher is always with his pupils in their hours of recreation. He unites in their pursuits, accompanies them in their excursions, and seems to make himself one with them. Well would it be for our schools were this practice more generally followed. The sacrifice demanded of the teacher would be great, but he would reap a rich reward. Ed 212.1"
Both passages emphasize the importance of personal connection and imparting more than just knowledge or information. Paul's willingness to share his 'own soul' aligns with EGW's call for teachers to offer companionship and understanding.
"Visiting Homes When a minister has presented the gospel message from the pulpit, his work is only begun. There is personal work for him to do. He should visit the people in their homes, talking and praying with them in earnestness and humility. There are families who will never be reached by the truths of God's word unless the stewards of His grace enter their homes and point them to the higher way. But the hearts of those who do this work must throb in unison with the heart of Christ. GW 187"
Both passages highlight the personal investment and affection that ministers should have for the people they serve. EGW emphasizes the minister's heart being in unison with Christ, while 1 Thessalonians 2:8 speaks of imparting not only the gospel but also one's own soul.
"Those who occupy the position of undershepherds are to exercise a watchful diligence over the Lord's flock. This is not to be a dictatorial vigilance, but one that tends to encourage and strengthen and uplift. Ministry means more than sermonizing; it means earnest, personal labor. The church on earth is composed of erring men and women, who need patient, painstaking effort that they may be trained and disciplined to work with acceptance in this life, and in the future life to be crowned with glory and immortality. Pastors are needed— faithful shepherds—who will not flatter God's people, nor treat them harshly, but who will feed them with the bread of life—men who in their lives feel daily the converting power of the Holy Spirit and who cherish a strong, unselfish love toward those for whom they labor. AA 526.1"
Both passages highlight the affectionate and sacrificial nature of ministry. EGW's description of 'strong, unselfish love' echoes Paul's willingness to impart not only the gospel but also his own soul.
1 Thessalonians 2:9
"For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God."
"It is at Thessalonica that we first read of Paul's working with his hands in self-supporting labor while preaching the word. Writing to the church of believers there, he reminded them that he “might have been burdensome” to them, and added” “Ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.” [ 1 Thessalonians 2:6, 9 .] And again, in his second epistle to them, he declared that he and his fellow-laborers while with them had not eaten “any man's bread for naught.” Night and day we worked, he wrote, “that we might not be chargeable to any of you: not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.” [ 2 Thessalonians 3:8, 9 .] ... GW 234.2"
EGW directly quotes 1 Thessalonians 2:9.
"It is at Thessalonica that we first read of Paul's working with his hands in self-supporting labor while preaching the word. Writing to the church of believers there, he reminded them that he “might have been burdensome” to them, and added: “Ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.” 1 Thessalonians 2:6, 9 . And again, in his second epistle to them, he declared that he and his fellow laborer while with them had not eaten “any man's bread for nought.” Night and day we worked, he wrote, “that we might not be chargeable to any of you: not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.” 2 Thessalonians 3:8, 9 . AA 347.2"
EGW directly quotes 1 Thessalonians 2:9 to support her point about Paul's self-supporting labor.
"Paul was not wholly dependent upon the labor of his hands for support while at Thessalonica. Referring later to his experiences in that city, he wrote to the Philippian believers in acknowledgment of the gifts he had received from them while there, saying, “Even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.” Philippians 4:16 . Notwithstanding the fact that he received this help he was careful to set before the Thessalonians an example of diligence, so that none could rightfully accuse him of covetousness, and also that those who held fanatical views regarding manual labor might be given a practical rebuke. AA 348.2"
While Philippians 4:16 is referenced, the core idea of Paul's diligence and avoiding accusations of covetousness connects to the broader theme of self-sufficiency and not being a burden, as discussed in 1 Thessalonians 2:9. It's a thematic parallel rather than a direct allusion.
"Not all who feel that they have been called to preach, should be encouraged to throw themselves and their families at once upon the church for continuous financial support. There is danger that some of limited experience may be spoiled by flattery, and by unwise encouragement to expect full support independent of any serious effort on their part. The means dedicated to the extension of the work of God should not be consumed by men who desire to preach only that they may receive support and thus gratify a selfish ambition for an easy life. AA 354.1"
Both passages address the idea that ministers should not be overly reliant on the church for financial support, and should be willing to work to support themselves. The EGW passage warns against those who preach only for support, while 1 Thessalonians 2:9 describes Paul's laboring night and day to avoid being a burden.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe."
"“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” “What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy.” AA 257.2"
EGW directly quotes 1 Thessalonians 2:13.
"The good-ground hearer receives the word “not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13 . Only he who receives the Scriptures as the voice of God speaking to himself is a true learner. He trembles at the word; for to him it is a living reality. He opens his understanding and his heart to receive it. Such hearers were Cornelius and his friends, who said to the apostle Peter, “Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” Acts 10:33 . COL 59.2"
Ellen White directly references 1 Thessalonians 2:13 in this passage.
Many do not look upon preaching as Christ's appointed means of instructing His people and therefore always to be highly prized. They do not feel that the sermon is the word of the Lord to them and estimate it by the value of the truths spoken; but they judge it as they would the speech of a lawyer at the bar—by the argumentative skill displayed and the power and beauty of the language. The minister is not infallible, but God has honored him by making him His messenger. If you listen to him as though he were not commissioned from above you will not respect his words nor receive them as the message of God. Your souls will not feed upon the heavenly manna; doubts will arise concerning some things that are not pleasing to the natural heart, and you will sit in judgment upon the sermon as you would upon the remarks of a lecturer or a political speaker. As soon as the meeting closes you will be ready with some complaint or sarcastic remark, thus showing that the message, however true and nee…
The EGW passage directly addresses the manner in which people receive preaching, contrasting a critical, human-centered approach with receiving it as the word of God. This strongly echoes the sentiment expressed in 1 Thessalonians 2:13.
"To us God's messengers come at the bidding of the Master. They come demanding, as did Christ, obedience to the word of God. They present His claim to the fruits of the vineyard, the fruits of love, and humility, and self-sacrificing service. Like the Jewish leaders, are not many of the husbandmen of the vineyard stirred to anger? When the claim of God's law is set before the people, do not these teachers use their influence in leading men to reject it? Such teachers God calls unfaithful servants. COL 306.1"
Both passages deal with receiving the word of God. The EGW passage speaks of messengers demanding obedience to God's word, while 1 Thessalonians speaks of receiving the word as it is in truth, the word of God. There's a thematic parallel in the importance and reception of God's word.
1 Thessalonians 2:18
"Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us."
"I could not, however, find rest and freedom in the thought of remaining away from the field of labor. It seemed to me that Satan was striving to hedge up my way to prevent me from bearing my testimony and from doing the work that God had given me to do. I had about decided to go alone and do my part, trusting in God to give me the needful strength, when we received a letter from Brother Haskell, in which he expressed gratitude to God that Brother and Sister White would attend the New England camp meeting. Elder Canright had written that he could not be present, as he would be unable to leave the interest in Danvers, and also that none of the company could be spared from the tent. Elder Haskell stated in his letter that all preparations had been made for a large meeting at Groveland; and he had decided to hold the meeting, with the help of God, even if he had to carry it through alone. 4T 277.3"
Both passages describe being hindered by Satan from doing God's work. The parallel is quite strong and specific.
1 Thessalonians 2:19
"For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?"
"And at the final day, when the wealth of earth shall perish, he who has laid up treasure in heaven will behold that which his life has gained. If we have given heed to the words of Christ, then, as we gather around the great white throne, we shall see souls who have been saved through our agency, and shall know that one has saved others, and these still others—a large company brought into the haven of rest as the result of our labors, there to lay their crowns at Jesus’ feet, and praise Him through the ceaseless ages of eternity. With what joy will the worker for Christ behold these redeemed ones, who share the glory of the Redeemer! How precious will heaven be to those who have been faithful in the work of saving souls! MB 90.2"
Both passages connect faithful labor with a future reward and rejoicing in the presence of Christ. EGW expands on the idea of 'crown of rejoicing' by explicitly mentioning saved souls as a result of the believer's work.
"Wonderful will be the revealing as the lines of holy influence, with their precious results, are brought to view. What will be the gratitude of souls that will meet us in the heavenly courts, as they understand the sympathetic, loving interest which has been taken in their salvation! All praise, honor, and glory will be given to God and to the Lamb for our redemption; but it will not detract from the glory of God to express gratitude to the instrumentality He has employed in the salvation of souls ready to perish. GW 518.1"
Both passages discuss the joy and gratitude associated with those who have been instrumental in leading others to salvation. While EGW's passage is more general, it shares the same theme of rejoicing in the presence of those who have been saved, similar to Paul's expression of joy in 1 Thessalonians 2:19.
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
"For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy."
"“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” “What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy.” AA 257.2"
The EGW passage directly quotes 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20.