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 Timothy 1:2
"Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord."
"Paul loved Timothy, his “own son in the faith.” [ 1 Timothy 1:2 .] The great apostle often drew the younger disciple out, questioning him in regard to Scripture history; and as they traveled from place to place, he carefully taught him how to do successful work. Both Paul and Silas, in all their association with Timothy, sought to deepen the impression that had already been made upon his mind, of the sacred, serious nature of the work of the gospel minister.— The Acts of the Apostles, 203, 204 . GW 440.3"
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 1:2 in this passage.
"Paul loved Timothy, his “own son in the faith.” 1 Timothy 1:2 . The great apostle often drew the younger disciple out, questioning him in regard to Scripture history, and as they traveled from place to place, he carefully taught him how to do successful work. Both Paul and Silas, in all their association with Timothy, sought to deepen the impression that had already been made upon his mind, of the sacred, serious nature of the work of the gospel minister. AA 204.2"
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 1:2 in this passage.
1 Timothy 1:4
"Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do."
"In time past there have been presented to me for my opinion many non-essential, fanciful theories. Some have advocated the theory that believers should pray with their eyes open. Others teach that, because those who ministered anciently in sacred office were required, upon entering the sanctuary, to remove their sandals and wash their feet, believers now should remove their shoes when entering the house of worship. Still others refer to the sixth commandment, and declare that even the insects that torment human beings should not be killed. And some have put forth the theory that the redeemed will not have gray hair—as if this were a matter of any importance. GW 313.1"
Both passages address the issue of focusing on non-essential matters and fanciful theories that distract from true faith and godly edification.
1 Timothy 1:5
"Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:"
"simplicity of faith, and in purity of love. MH 477.5"
The EGW passage directly echoes the themes of faith and love/charity from a pure heart, as found in 1 Timothy 1:5. The connection is more than just thematic; it's a restatement of the biblical principle.
A wonderful indifference has been manifested upon this important subject by those right at the heart of the work. The lack of stability in regard to the principles of health reform is a true index of their character and their spiritual strength. They are deficient in thoroughness in their Christian experience. Conscience is not regarded. The basis or cause of every right action existing and operating in the renewed heart secures obedience without external or selfish motives. The spirit of truth and a good conscience are sufficient to inspire and regulate the motives and conduct of those who learn of Christ and are like Him. Those who have no strength of religious principle in themselves are easily swayed, by the example of others, in a wrong direction. Those who have never learned their duty from God, and acquainted themselves with His purposes concerning them, are not reliable in times of severe conflict with the powers of darkness. They are swayed by external and present appearances.…
Both passages emphasize the importance of a good conscience and its role in guiding behavior. The EGW quote connects a lack of stability in health reform principles to a deficiency in Christian experience and a disregard for conscience, while 1 Timothy 1:5 highlights the importance of charity stemming from a pure heart and good conscience. The thematic overlap is clear and meaningful.
1 Timothy 1:15
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."
"Paul did not seek to shield himself; he paints his sin in its darkest hue, not attempting to lessen his guilt. He says: “Many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.” He does not hesitate to declare that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 5T 641.2"
EGW directly quotes 1 Timothy 1:15.
When Satan comes to tell you that you are a great sinner, look up to your Redeemer and talk of His merits. That which will help you is to look to His light. Acknowledge your sin, but tell the enemy that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” and that you may be saved by His matchless love. 1 Timothy 1:15 . Jesus asked Simon a question in regard to two debtors. One owed his Lord a small sum, and the other owed him a very large sum; but he forgave them both, and Christ asked Simon which debtor would love his Lord most. Simon answered, “He to whom he forgave most.” Luke 7:43 . We have been great sinners, but Christ died that we might be forgiven. The merits of His sacrifice are sufficient to present to the Father in our behalf. Those to whom He has forgiven most will love Him most, and will stand nearest to His throne to praise Him for His great love and infinite sacrifice. It is when we most fully comprehend the love of God that we best realize the sinfulness of sin. When we …
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 1:15 in this passage.
"them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.” Acts 26:10, 11 . He does not hesitate to declare that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15 . SC 41.1"
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 1:15 in this passage.
The one thing essential for us in order that we may receive and impart the forgiving love of God is to know and believe the love that He has to us. 1 John 4:16 . Satan is working by every deception he can command, in order that we may not discern that love. He will lead us to think that our mistakes and transgressions have been so grievous that the Lord will not have respect unto our prayers and will not bless and save us. In ourselves we can see nothing but weakness, nothing to recommend us to God, and Satan tells us that it is of no use; we cannot remedy our defects of character. When we try to come to God, the enemy will whisper, It is of no use for you to pray; did not you do that evil thing? Have you not sinned against God and violated your own conscience? But we may tell the enemy that “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 . When we feel that we have sinned and cannot pray, it is then the time to pray. Ashamed we may be and deeply humbled, but …
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 1:15 in this passage.
"In the same way every human being can come to Christ. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:5 . Do you feel that because you are a sinner you cannot hope to receive blessing from God? Remember that Christ came into the world to save sinners. We have nothing to recommend us to God; the plea that we may urge now and ever is our utterly helpless condition, which makes His redeeming power a necessity. Renouncing all self-dependence, we may look to the cross of Calvary and say: MH 65.2"
Both passages emphasize Christ's purpose to save sinners. EGW's statement echoes the sentiment of 1 Timothy 1:15.
"The Lord God through Jesus Christ holds out His hand all the day long in invitation to the sinful and fallen. He will receive all. He welcomes all. It is His glory to pardon the chief of sinners. He will take the prey from the mighty, He will deliver the captive, He will pluck the brand from the burning. He will lower the golden chain of His mercy to the lowest depths of human wretchedness, and lift up the debased soul contaminated with sin. MH 161.3"
The phrase 'chief of sinners' is a direct allusion to 1 Timothy 1:15.
1 Timothy 1:17
"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen."
"“Unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible,” “who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting.” 1 Timothy 1:17 ; 6:16 . MH 434.1"
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 1:17 in this passage.
"“Unto the King eternal, incorruptible, invisible,” “who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see,”—to Him “be honor and power eternal.” 1 Timothy 1:17 , margin; 6:16, A. R. V. 8T 282.5"
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 1:17 in this passage.
1 Timothy 1:19
"Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:"
"You are in imminent danger of making shipwreck of faith. You need all the strength which you can obtain from the people of God, those who possess hope, courage, and faith. But do not neglect prayer, secret prayer. Be instant in prayer; encourage a spirit of true devotion. In your business career you have a work to do. Just what, I am unable to tell you; but something is wrong. Search carefully. We are doing up work for eternity. All our acts, all our words, are to be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary. A just and impartial God is to determine all our cases, every event of our life history. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” 2T 48.1"
The 'shipwreck of faith' is a clear thematic connection, though not a direct quote.
"You and your associates in the sanitarium work need a pilot with you constantly, else you will be shipwrecked. You surely must understand your peril. Satan is making every effort to turn you aside into strange paths. God has strengthened you. Your soul must be sanctified through the truth, that your steadfast adherence to principles may be plain to all. The more fully your helpless soul leans upon God, the more fully you make Him your trust, the more hungry you will become for the bread of life. 8T 154.3"
Both passages use the metaphor of 'shipwreck' to describe a loss of faith or spiritual grounding. EGW's passage warns of spiritual shipwreck if they don't have a 'pilot' (God) and adhere to principles.
"One thing I wish to impress upon your minds. You have the special mediums of Satan closely connected with you, and their power and influence have a manifest effect upon you, because you do not remain near enough to God to ensure the special aid of angels that excel in strength. Your union is altogether too strong with your Lord's enemies, and you perceive not that you are in danger of making shipwreck of your faith. If you encourage, in the least, the temptations of Satan, you place yourself upon his battleground, and then the conflict will be long and sore before you obtain the victory and triumph in the name of Jesus, who has conquered him. 2T 171.1"
The phrase 'shipwreck of your faith' is a direct allusion to 1 Timothy 1:19. The context of avoiding temptations and maintaining faith further reinforces this connection.
"Brother and Sister B, you have a work to do for yourselves which no one can do for you. You are inclined to murmur and complain. You have something to do to subdue your natural feelings. Live for God yourselves, knowing that you have not to answer for the wrongs of others. I saw, Brother B, that you would certainly be overcome by Satan, and make utter shipwreck of faith, unless you stop your faultfinding, and seek pure and undefiled religion before God. You need to be elevated in your thoughts and conversation; you need a thorough conversion. 2T 221.1"
Both passages discuss the concept of making 'shipwreck of faith'. EGW uses this phrase in the context of warning against faultfinding and the need for conversion, mirroring the warning in 1 Timothy.
"“There are some, even connected with our institutions, who are in great danger of making shipwreck of faith. Satan will work in disguise, in his most deceptive manner, in these branches of God's work. He makes these important instrumentalities his special points of attack, and he will leave no means untried to cripple their usefulness.... In these days of peril we should be exceedingly careful not to reject the rays of light which heaven in mercy sends us; for it is by these that we are to discern the devices of the enemy. We need light from heaven every hour, that we may distinguish between the sacred and the common, the eternal and the temporal. LS 271.2"
Both passages use the metaphor of 'shipwreck of faith.' EGW elaborates on the dangers leading to this shipwreck, while 1 Timothy mentions it as a consequence of rejecting faith and a good conscience. The shared metaphor makes the connection significant.