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 2:2
"For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
"At one time a whole family was brought before the inquisitors, charged with remaining away from mass and worshiping at home. On his examination as to their practices in secret the youngest son answered: “We fall on our knees, and pray that God may enlighten our minds and pardon our sins; we pray for our sovereign, that his reign may be prosperous and his life happy; we pray for our magistrates, that God may preserve them.”—Wylie, b. 18, ch. 6. Some of the judges were deeply moved, yet the father and one of his sons were condemned to the stake. GC 240.1"
The EGW passage illustrates a family praying for their rulers, even while being persecuted. This directly reflects the instruction in 1 Timothy 2:2 to pray for kings and those in authority.
1 Timothy 2:4
"Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."
"An Ever-Widening Work God's servants are to make use of every resource for enlarging His kingdom. The apostle Paul declares that it is “good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth,” that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” 1 Timothy 2:3, 4, 1 . And James says: “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:20 . Every believer is pledged to unite with his brethren in giving the invitation, “Come; for all things are now ready.” Luke 14:17 . Each is to encourage the others in doing wholehearted work. Earnest invitations will be given by a living church. Thirsty souls will be led to the water of life. 7T 14"
EGW directly quotes 1 Timothy 2:4.
"So today God is seeking for souls among the high as well as the low. There are many like Cornelius, men whom He desires to connect with His church. Their sympathies are with the Lord's people. But the ties that bind them to the world hold them firmly. It requires moral courage for these men to take their position with the lowly ones. Special effort should be made for these souls, who are in so great danger because of their responsibilities and associations. MH 209.3"
While not a direct quote or allusion, the EGW passage echoes the sentiment of 1 Timothy 2:4 regarding God's desire for all people to be saved. It applies this principle specifically to those in positions of influence, drawing a parallel to Cornelius.
1 Timothy 2:5
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;"
"The angels of God are ever passing from earth to heaven, and from heaven to earth. The miracles of Christ for the afflicted and suffering were wrought by the power of God through the ministration of the angels. And it is through Christ, by the ministration of His heavenly messengers, that every blessing comes from God to us. In taking upon Himself humanity, our Saviour unites His interests with those of the fallen sons and daughters of Adam, while through His divinity He grasps the throne of God. And thus Christ is the medium of communication of men with God, and of God with men. DA 143.1"
Both passages directly address Christ as the mediator between God and humanity. The EGW passage expands on the concept of mediation, including the role of angels, but the core idea is the same.
"Once more Paul has an opportunity to uplift before a wondering multitude the banner of the cross. As he gazes upon the throng before him,—Jews, Greeks, Romans, with strangers from many lands,—his soul is stirred with an intense desire for their salvation. He loses sight of the occasion, of the perils surrounding him, of the terrible fate that seems so near. He sees only Jesus, the Intercessor, pleading before God in behalf of sinful men. With more than human eloquence and power, Paul presents the truths of the gospel. He points his hearers to the sacrifice made for the fallen race. He declares that an infinite price has been paid for man's redemption. Provision has been made for him to share the throne of God. By angel messengers, earth is connected with heaven, and all the deeds of men, whether good or evil, are open to the eye of Infinite Justice. AA 494.3"
The EGW passage describes Paul's focus on Jesus as the Intercessor and the sacrifice made for humanity's redemption. This aligns with 1 Timothy 2:5, which identifies Jesus as the one mediator between God and men. The connection is strong because both passages emphasize Jesus' role in bridging the gap between God and humanity.
"Wycliffe began to write and publish tracts against the friars, not, however, seeking so much to enter into dispute with them as to call the minds of the people to the teachings of the Bible and its Author. He declared that the power of pardon or of excommunication is possessed by the pope in no greater degree than by common priests, and that no man can be truly excommunicated unless he has first brought upon himself the condemnation of God. In no more effectual way could he have undertaken the overthrow of that mammoth fabric of spiritual and temporal dominion which the pope had erected and in which the souls and bodies of millions were held captive. GC 84.2"
The EGW passage describes Wycliffe's challenge to the Pope's authority, asserting that no one can be excommunicated unless condemned by God. This aligns with the principle in 1 Timothy 2:5, which states that Christ is the only mediator between God and man, thus undermining the Pope's claimed role as mediator and arbiter of salvation.
1 Timothy 2:8
"I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting."
"Christ's ministers must watch unto prayer. They may come with boldness to the throne of grace, lifting up holy hands without wrath or doubting. In faith they may supplicate the Father in heaven for wisdom and grace, that they may know how to work, how to deal with minds. GW 254.3"
EGW directly alludes to 1 Timothy 2:8, using the phrase 'lifting up holy hands without wrath or doubting' in the context of prayer.
"And yet, in this time of fearful peril, some who profess to be Christians have no family worship. They do not honor God in the home; they do not teach their children to love and fear Him. Many have separated themselves so far from Him that they feel under condemnation in approaching Him. They cannot “come boldly unto the throne of grace,” “lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” Hebrews 4:16 ; 1 Timothy 2:8 . They have not a living connection with God. Theirs is a form of godliness without the power. 7T 42.2"
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 2:8 in this passage.
"When speaking of divine things, why not speak in distinct tones in a manner that will make it manifest that you know whereof you speak, and are not ashamed to show your colors? Why not pray as if you had a conscience void of offense, and could come to the throne of grace in humility, yet with holy boldness, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting? Do not bow down and cover up your faces as if there were something that you desired to conceal; but lift up your eyes toward the heavenly sanctuary, where Christ your Mediator stands before the Father to present your prayers, mingled with His own merit and spotless righteousness, as fragrant incense. CT 241.2"
The EGW passage directly alludes to 1 Timothy 2:8 by mentioning 'lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting' in the context of prayer. The EGW passage expands on this idea by encouraging a confident and open approach to prayer, looking towards the heavenly sanctuary and Christ's intercession.
Ten thousand times ten thousand may profess to obey the law and the gospel, and yet be living in transgression. Men may present in a clear manner the claims of truth upon others and yet their own hearts be carnal. Sin may be loved and practiced in secret. The truth of God may be no truth to them, because their hearts have not been sanctified by it. The love of the Saviour may exercise no constraining power over their base passions. We know by the history of the past that men may stand in sacred positions and yet handle the truth of God deceitfully. They cannot lift up holy hands to God, “without wrath and doubting.” This is because God has no control over their minds. The truth was never stamped upon their hearts. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness.” “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” Are you doing this? Many are not, and never have done it. Their conversion has been only superfic…
The EGW passage directly quotes "without wrath and doubting," which is a clear allusion to 1 Timothy 2:8.
1 Timothy 2:9
"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;"
"Have not our sisters sufficient zeal and moral courage to place themselves without excuse upon the Bible platform? The apostle has given most explicit directions on this point: “I will therefore ... that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” Here the Lord, through His apostle, speaks expressly against the wearing of gold. Let those who have had experience see to it that they do not lead others astray on this point by their example. That ring encircling your finger may be very plain, but it is useless, and the wearing of it has a wrong influence upon others. 4T 630.1"
EGW directly quotes 1 Timothy 2:9 and uses it as a basis for her argument against wearing gold.
"Chapter 22—Dress The Bible teaches modesty in dress. “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel.” 1 Timothy 2:9 . This forbids display in dress, gaudy colors, profuse ornamentation. Any device designed to attract attention to the wearer or to excite admiration, is excluded from the modest apparel which God's word enjoins. MH 287"
EGW directly quotes 1 Timothy 2:9 and builds her argument upon it.
"Our dress is to be inexpensive—not with “gold, or pearls, or costly array.” Money is a trust from God. It is not ours to expend for the gratification of pride or ambition. In the hands of God's children it is food for the hungry and clothing for the naked. It is a defense to the oppressed, a means of health to the sick, of preaching the gospel to the poor. You could bring happiness to many hearts by using wisely the money that is now spent for show. Consider the life of Christ. Study His character, and be partakers with Him in His self-denial. CT 302.2 In the professed Christian world enough is expended for jewels and needlessly expensive dress to feed all the hungry and to clothe the naked. Fashion and display absorb the means that might comfort the poor and the suffering. They rob the world of the gospel of the Saviour's love.... CT 302.3"
The EGW passage directly quotes the phrase "gold, or pearls, or costly array" from 1 Timothy 2:9, making it a clear and explicit allusion.
"Some Principles of Healthful Dressing The Bible teaches modesty in dress. “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel.” 1 Timothy 2:9 . This forbids display in dress, gaudy colors, profuse ornamentation. Any device designed to attract attention to the wearer or to excite admiration is excluded from the modest apparel which God's word enjoins. CT 302"
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 2:9 in this passage.
"There is an increasing tendency to have women in their dress and appearance as near like the other sex as possible, and to fashion their dress very much like that of men, but God pronounces it abomination. “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety.” 1 Timothy 2:9 . 1T 421.3"
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 2:9 in this passage.
"“There is an increasing tendency to have women in their dress and appearance as near like the other sex as possible, and to fashion their dress very much like that of men, but God pronounces it abomination. ‘In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety.’ 1 Timothy 2:9 . 1T 457.2"
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 2:9 in this passage.
"If all our sisters would adopt a simple, unadorned dress of modest length, the uniformity thus established would be far more pleasing to God, and would exert a more salutary influence on the world, than the diversity presented four years ago. As our sisters would not generally accept the reform dress as it should be worn, another, less objectionable style is now presented. It is free from needless trimmings, free from the looped-up, tied back overskirts. It consists of a plain sack or loose-fitting basque, and skirt, the latter short enough to avoid the mud and filth of the streets. The material should be free from large plaids and figures, and plain in color. The same attention should be given to the clothing of the limbs as with the short dress. 4T 640.1"
The EGW passage directly addresses the principle of modest apparel for women, echoing the sentiment in 1 Timothy 2:9. It provides specific examples of what constitutes modest dress within her cultural context, amplifying the biblical principle.
"Page 525—For further explanation of the subject of dress the reader is referred to Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, No. 30, article, “Simplicity in Dress.” 1T 718.4"
The EGW passage, by referencing the article on 'Simplicity in Dress,' directly addresses the same topic of modest apparel for women as 1 Timothy 2:9. The verse advocates for modest dress and avoidance of extravagance, which aligns with the concept of 'simplicity in dress' promoted by EGW.
***** Chapter 78—Extremes in Dress We do not think it in accordance with our faith to dress in the American costume, to wear hoops, or to go to an extreme in wearing long dresses which sweep the sidewalks and streets. If women would wear their dresses so as to clear the filth of the streets an inch or two, their dresses would be modest, and they could be kept clean much more easily, and would wear longer. Such a dress would be in accordance with our faith. I have received several letters from sisters inquiring my opinion in regard to wearing corded skirts. These questions were answered in a letter which I sent to a sister in Wisconsin. I will give the letter here for the benefit of others: 1T 424.1 “We as a people do not believe it our duty to go out of the world to be out of the fashion. If we have a neat, plain, modest, and comfortable plan of dress, and worldlings choose to dress as we do, shall we change this mode of dress in order to be different from the world? No, we should not …
The EGW passage directly applies the principle of modest apparel found in 1 Timothy 2:9, providing specific examples relevant to the fashion of her time.
"In 1865 Mrs. White, through How to Live , No. 6, appealed to our sisters to adopt a style of dress which was both modest and healthful. The next year the newly opened Health Reform Institute in Battle Creek took steps to design a pattern of dress that would correct the extremes of the short American costume or the ultra-long heavy dresses as commonly worn. 1T 717.5"
The EGW passage directly addresses the principle of modest apparel for women, echoing the sentiment in 1 Timothy 2:9. The context of both passages concerns appropriate dress for women within a religious community.
"God would not have His people adopt the so-called reform dress. It is immodest apparel, wholly unfitted for the modest, humble followers of Christ. 1T 457.1"
The EGW passage directly addresses the topic of modest apparel, echoing the principle found in 1 Timothy 2:9. Both passages emphasize the importance of modesty and humility in dress, making the connection strong and direct.
"“Let our sisters dress plainly, as many do, having the dress of good material, durable, modest, appropriate for this age, and let not the dress question fill the mind.”— The Story of Our Health Message, 442 . 1T 718.3"
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of modest apparel found in 1 Timothy 2:9. Both emphasize the importance of modesty in dress.
"Our dress is to be inexpensive—not with “gold, or pearls, or costly array.” Verse 9 . MH 287.2"
EGW directly quotes 1 Timothy 2:9.
"“With the so-called dress reform there goes a spirit of levity and boldness just in keeping with the dress. Modesty and reserve seem to depart from many as they adopt that style of dress. I was shown that God would have us take a course consistent and explainable. Let the sisters adopt the American costume and they would destroy their own influence and that of their husbands. They would become a byword and a derision. Our Saviour says: ‘Ye are the light of the world.’ ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ There is a great work for us to do in the world, and God would not have us take a course to lessen or destroy our influence with the world.” 1T 457.4"
EGW directly addresses modesty in dress, echoing the principle found in 1 Timothy 2:9. She also quotes Matthew 5:16, which is relevant to the overall point about influence.
“God designed that there should be a plain distinction between the dress of men and women, and has considered the matter of sufficient importance to give explicit directions in regard to it; for the same dress worn by both sexes would cause confusion and great increase of crime. Were the apostle Paul alive, and should he behold women professing godliness with this style of dress, he would utter a rebuke. ‘In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.’ The mass of professed Christians utterly disregard the teachings of the apostles, and wear gold, pearls, and costly array. 1T 460.1 “God's loyal people are the light of the world and the salt of the earth, and they should ever remember that their influence is of value. Were they to exchange the extreme long dress for the extreme short one, they would, to a grea…
EGW directly quotes 1 Timothy 2:9.
All should be taught to be neat, clean, and orderly in their dress, but not to indulge in that external adorning which is wholly inappropriate for the sanctuary. There should be no display of the apparel; for this encourages irreverence. The attention of the people is often called to this or that fine article of dress, and thus thoughts are intruded that should have no place in the hearts of the worshipers. God is to be the subject of thought, the object of worship; and anything that attracts the mind from the solemn, sacred service is an offense to Him. The parading of bows and ribbons, ruffles and feathers, and gold and silver ornaments is a species of idolatry and is wholly inappropriate for the sacred service of God, where the eye of every worshiper should be single to His glory. All matters of dress should be strictly guarded, following closely the Bible rule. Fashion has been the goddess who has ruled the outside world, and she often insinuates herself into the church. The church…
The EGW passage directly reflects the principle outlined in 1 Timothy 2:9 regarding modest apparel and avoiding ostentatious displays in worship. Both texts discourage drawing attention to oneself through elaborate clothing and advocate for a focus on spiritual matters.
"I hope I am not getting proud. My manner of dress is the same as it has been for several years. I am opposed to hoops and to wearing unnecessary bows and ribbons. I have worn one velvet bonnet two years without change of strings except to cleanse them with soap and water. I put the same velvet upon a new frame and am wearing it again this winter. I believe Sabbathkeepers should dress plainly and study economy in dress. Those who wish to talk will talk though we give them no occasion. I do not expect to suit every taste in regard to dress, but I believe it to be my duty to wear durable clothing, to dress neatly and orderly, and suit my own taste if it does not disagree with the word of God. 1T 251.3"
The EGW passage directly addresses the principle of modest apparel, echoing the sentiment in 1 Timothy 2:9. While not a direct quote, the focus on plainness and economy in dress aligns with the biblical call for modesty and avoiding ostentatious displays.
"Christian youth, I have seen in some of you a love for dress and display which has pained me. In some who have been well instructed, who have had religious privileges from their babyhood, and who have put on Christ by baptism, thus professing to be dead to the world, I have seen a vanity in dress and a levity in conduct that have grieved the dear Saviour and have been a reproach to the cause of God. I have marked with pain your religious declension and your disposition to trim and ornament your apparel. Some have been so unfortunate as to come into possession of gold chains or pins, or both, and have shown bad taste in exhibiting them, making them conspicuous to attract attention. I can but associate these characters with the vain peacock, that displays his gorgeous feathers for admiration. It is all this poor bird has to attract attention, for his voice and form are anything but attractive. 3T 366.2"
Both passages discuss the issue of vanity in dress, specifically mentioning gold and ornaments. EGW's passage echoes the sentiment of 1 Timothy 2:9, which encourages modest apparel and discourages excessive adornment.
"My sisters, if you would bring your manner of dressing into conformity with the rules given in the Bible, you would have an abundance with which to help your poorer sisters. You would have not only means, but time. Often this is most needed. There are many whom you might help with your suggestions, your tact and skill. Show them how to dress simply and yet tastefully. Many a woman remains away from the house of God because her shabby, ill-fitting garments are in such striking contrast to the dress of others. Many a sensitive spirit cherishes a sense of bitter humiliation and injustice because of this contrast. And because of it many are led to doubt the reality of religion and to harden their hearts against the gospel. MH 207.3"
EGW directly connects the idea of modest apparel with helping the poor, which aligns with the principle of 1 Timothy 2:9 regarding modest dress.
"Both by precept and example, the young should be taught simplicity of dress and manners, industry, sobriety, and economy. Many students are extravagant in spending the means furnished them by their parents. They try to show themselves superior to their associates by a lavish use of money for display and self- indulgence. In some institutions of learning, this matter has been regarded of so great consequence that the dress of the student is prescribed and his use of money limited by law. But indulgent parents and indulged students will find some way to evade the law. We would resort to no such means. We ask Christian parents to take all these matters under careful, prayerful consideration, to seek counsel from the word of God, and then endeavor to act in accordance with its teachings. CE 244.1"
Both passages advocate for modesty and simplicity in dress. 1 Timothy 2:9 specifically addresses women's attire, while the EGW passage applies the principle of simplicity to students' dress and spending habits.
"attire. The dress should not be adopted unless it is made right and arranged neatly. For we should seek not to disgust unbelievers by carelessness and slackness in our apparel, but should dress modestly, with reference to health and neatness, that our dress may commend itself to the judgment of candid minds. 2T 65.3"
Both passages address the importance of modest and appropriate attire. EGW provides further context, emphasizing neatness and avoiding offense to unbelievers, which aligns with the principle of modest apparel in 1 Timothy 2:9.
“In my article on dress in How to Live I tried to present a healthful, convenient, economical, yet modest and becoming style of dress for Christian women to wear, if they should choose so to do. I tried, perhaps imperfectly, to describe such a dress. ‘The dress should reach somewhat below the top of the boot, but should be short enough to clear the filth of the sidewalk and street, without being raised by the hand.’ Some have contended that by the top of the boot, I meant the top of such boots as men usually wear. But by ‘the top of the boot,’ I designed to be understood the top of a boot, or gaiter shoe, usually worn by women. Had I thought I should be misunderstood, I would have written more definitely. If it were the custom for women to wear high- topped boots like men, I could see sufficient excuse for this misunderstanding. I think the language is very plain as it now reads, and no one needs to be thrown into confusion. Please read again: ‘The dress should reach somewhat below the…
Both passages address the topic of modest apparel for women. EGW provides specific guidelines for dress length, while 1 Timothy 2:9 offers broader principles of modesty and avoiding extravagance. The EGW passage can be seen as an application of the general principle found in 1 Timothy 2:9.
"What a contrast is this to the weariness, the unrest, the disease and wretchedness, that result from the rule of fashion! How contrary to the principles given in the Scriptures are many of the modes of dress that fashion prescribes! Think of the styles that have prevailed for the last few hundreds of years or even for the last few decades. How many of them, when not in fashion, would be declared immodest; how many would be pronounced inappropriate for a refined, God-fearing, self-respecting woman. MH 289.6"
EGW's discussion of modesty and appropriate dress directly reflects the principles outlined in 1 Timothy 2:9, which emphasizes modest apparel and avoiding extravagance.
"The words of Scripture in regard to dress should be carefully considered. We need to understand that which the Lord of heaven appreciates in even the dressing of the body. All who are in earnest in seeking for the grace of Christ will heed the precious words of instruction inspired by God. Even the style of the apparel will express the truth of the gospel. 6T 96.3"
EGW's statement about Scripture regarding dress and the importance of heeding God's instruction directly reflects the principle outlined in 1 Timothy 2:9 concerning modest apparel.
"they felt no burden of the work? Satan invented the fashions in order to keep the minds of women so engrossed with the subject of dress that they could think of but little else. 4T 629.2"
EGW's statement about Satan using fashion to distract women aligns with the broader theme of 1 Timothy 2:9, which encourages modest apparel and discourages excessive adornment.
This dress does not require hoops, and I hope that it will never be disgraced by them. Our sisters need not wear many skirts to distend the dress. It appears much more becoming falling about the form naturally over one or two light skirts. Moreen is excellent material for outside skirts; it retains its stiffness and is durable. If anything is worn in skirts, let it be very small. Quilts are unnecessary. Yet I frequently see them worn, and sometimes hanging a trifle below the dress. This gives it an immodest, untidy appearance. White skirts, worn with dark dresses, do not become the short dress. Be particular to have your skirts clean, neat, and nice; make them of good material and in all cases at least three inches shorter than the dress. If anything is worn to distend the skirt, let it be small and at least one quarter or one half a yard from the bottom of the dress or outside skirt. If a cord, or anything answering the place of cords, is placed directly around the bottom of the skirt…
Both passages address the topic of women's clothing and the importance of modesty. While EGW provides specific details about dress styles, the underlying principle of modest apparel aligns with 1 Timothy 2:9.
In order to follow the fashions, mothers dress their children with limbs nearly naked; and the blood is chilled back from its natural course and thrown upon the internal organs, breaking up the circulation and producing disease. The limbs were not formed by our Creator to endure exposure, as was the face. The Lord provided the face with an immense circulation, because it must be exposed. He provided, also, large veins and nerves for the limbs and feet, to contain a large amount of the current of human life, that the limbs might be uniformly as warm as the body. They should be so thoroughly clothed as to induce the blood to the extremities. Satan invented the fashions which leave the limbs exposed, chilling back the life current from its original course. And parents bow at the shrine of fashion and so clothe their children that the nerves and veins become contracted and do not answer the purpose that God designed they should. The result is, habitually cold feet and hands. Those parents …
Both passages address the topic of modesty and appropriate attire, although EGW focuses on the health consequences of immodest fashion while the Bible verse focuses on the spiritual aspect.
"Mothers spend unnecessary labor upon garments with which to beautify the persons of themselves and their children. It is our duty to dress ourselves plainly and to clothe our children neatly, without useless ornamentation, embroidery, or display, taking care not to foster in them a love of dress that will prove their ruin, but seeking rather to cultivate the Christian graces. None of us can be excused from our responsibilities, and in no case can we stand clear before the throne of God unless we do the work that the Master has left for us to do. 4T 72.2"
Both passages address the topic of modest apparel and avoiding excessive ornamentation. While 1 Timothy 2:9 provides specific examples of what to avoid, the EGW passage broadens the principle to include the avoidance of fostering a love of dress that could be detrimental, thus creating a thematic parallel.
If Christian parents lived in obedience to the requirements of the divine Teacher, they would preserve simplicity in eating and in dressing, and would live more in accordance with natural law. They would not then devote so much time to artificial life, in making for themselves cares and burdens that Christ has not laid upon them, but that He has positively bid them shun. If the kingdom of God and His righteousness were the first and all-important consideration with parents, but little precious time would be lost in needless outward ornamentation while the minds of their children are almost entirely neglected. The precious time devoted by many parents to dressing their children for display in their scenes of amusement would better, far better, be spent in cultivating their own minds in order that they may be competent to properly instruct their children. It is not essential to the salvation or happiness of these parents that they use the precious probationary time that God has lent them…
Both passages address the topic of outward adornment versus inner spiritual development. While EGW doesn't directly quote 1 Timothy 2:9, she echoes its sentiment about prioritizing inner qualities over excessive attention to appearance. The context of simplicity and avoiding unnecessary burdens also aligns with the biblical verse's emphasis on modesty.
“I would advise those who prepare for themselves a short dress for working purposes to manifest taste and neatness in getting it up. Have it arranged in order, to fit the form nicely. Even if it is a working dress, it should be made becoming, and should be cut after a pattern. Sisters when about their work should not put on clothing which would make them look like images to frighten the crows from the corn. It is more gratifying to their husbands and children to see them in a becoming, well-fitting attire than it can be to mere visitors or strangers. Some wives and mothers seem to think it is no matter how they look when about their work and when they are seen only by their husbands and children, but they are very particular to dress in taste for the eyes of those who have no special claims upon them. Is not the esteem and love of husband and children more to be prized than that of strangers or common friends? The happiness of husband and children should be more sacred to every wife an…
Both passages discuss the importance of modest and appropriate attire for women, although EGW focuses more on the context of work and family life.
"“How shall we dress? If any wore heavy quilts before the introduction of hoops, merely for show and not for comfort, they sinned against themselves by injuring their health, which it is their duty to preserve. If any wear them now merely to look like hoops, they commit sin; for they are seeking to imitate a fashion which is disgraceful. Corded skirts were worn before hoops were introduced. I have worn a light corded skirt since I was fourteen years of age, not for show but for comfort and decency. Because hoops were introduced I did not lay off my corded skirt for them. Shall I now throw it aside because the fashion of hoops is introduced? No; that would be carrying the matter to an extreme. 1T 425.1"
Both passages address the topic of modest apparel and avoiding excessive adornment. EGW's passage provides a specific example related to fashion trends, while 1 Timothy 2:9 offers a broader principle. The connection is present, but not a direct quotation or explicit allusion.
"One of fashion's wasteful and mischievous devices is the skirt that sweeps the ground. Uncleanly, uncomfortable, inconvenient, unhealthful—all this and more is true of the trailing skirt. It is extravagant, both because of the superfluous material required and because of the needless wear on account of its length. And whoever has seen a woman in a trailing skirt, with hands filled with parcels, attempt to go up or down stairs, to enter a streetcar, to walk through a crowd, to walk in the rain or on a muddy road, needs no other proof of its inconvenience and discomfort. MH 291.5"
The passage discusses the extravagance and impracticality of certain fashions, which aligns with the biblical principle of modest apparel and avoiding excessive adornment.
1 Timothy 2:9-10
"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."
"This circumstance caused me no little perplexity and trial as I remembered the apostle's words: “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” The teaching of this scripture seemed to be openly disregarded by those whom I looked upon as devoted Christians, and who were much older in experience than myself. If it was indeed as sinful as I supposed, to imitate the extravagant dress of worldlings, surely these Christians would understand it and would conform to the Bible standard. Yet for myself I determined to follow my convictions of duty. I could but feel that it was contrary to the spirit of the gospel to devote God-given time and means to the decoration of our persons—that humility and self-denial would be more befitting those whose sins had cost the infinite sacrifice of the Son of God. 1T 20.4"
The EGW passage directly quotes 1 Timothy 2:9-10.
"When you place a useless or extravagant article of clothing upon your person, you are withholding from the naked. When you spread your tables with a needless variety of costly food, you are neglecting to feed the hungry. How stands your record, professed Christian? Do not, I beseech you, lay out in foolish and hurtful indulgences that which God requires in His treasury, and the portion which should be given to the poor. Let us not clothe ourselves with costly apparel, but, like women professing godliness, with good works. Let not the cry of the widow and the fatherless go up to heaven against us. Let not the blood of souls be found on our garments. Let not precious probationary time be squandered in cherishing pride of heart. Are there no poor to be visited? no dim eyes for whom you can read the word of God? no desponding, discouraged ones that need your words of comfort and your prayers? 4T 646.2"
EGW's statement about women adorning themselves with good works instead of costly apparel is a clear application of the principle outlined in 1 Timothy 2:9-10. The connection is strong and directly related to the biblical text.