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 5:2
"The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity."
"The Social Relations The usefulness of young ministers, married or unmarried, is often destroyed by the attachment shown to them by young women. Such women do not realize that other eyes are upon them, and that the course pursued by them may have a tendency to injure the influence of the minister to whom they give so much attention. If they would strictly regard the rules of propriety, it would be much better for them and much better for the minister. Their failure to do this places him in a disagreeable position, and causes others to look upon him in a wrong light. GW 129"
Both passages address appropriate relationships between men and women in a religious context, emphasizing purity and respect. EGW applies the principle of treating younger women as sisters with purity to the interactions between young women and ministers.
1 Timothy 5:4
"But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God."
"By many children and youth, time is wasted that might be spent in carrying home burdens, and thus showing a loving interest in father and mother. The youth might take upon their strong young shoulders many responsibilities which someone must bear. COL 345.1"
Both passages emphasize the responsibility of children to care for their parents. 1 Timothy 5:4 specifically mentions showing piety at home and requiting parents, while EGW speaks of children carrying home burdens and showing loving interest. The core principle of filial responsibility is shared.
"The Aged The aged also need the helpful influences of the family. In the home of brethren and sisters in Christ can most nearly be made up to them the loss of their own home. If encouraged to share in the interests and occupations of the household, it will help them to feel that their usefulness is not at an end. Make them feel that their help is valued, that there is something yet for them to do in ministering to others, and it will cheer their hearts and give interest to their lives. MH 204"
Both passages emphasize the importance of caring for family members, particularly those who are vulnerable (the aged and widows). While 1 Timothy 5:4 focuses on repaying parents, EGW expands on the benefits of including the aged in family life.
"The matter of caring for our aged brethren and sisters who have no homes is constantly being urged. What can be done for them? The light which the Lord has given me has been repeated: It is not best to establish institutions for the care of the aged, that they may be in a company together. Nor should they be sent away from home to receive care. Let the members of every family minister to their own relatives. When this is not possible, the work belongs to the church, and it should be accepted both as a duty and as a privilege. All who have Christ's spirit will regard the feeble and aged with special respect and tenderness. 6T 272.1"
Both passages emphasize the responsibility of family members to care for their own relatives, particularly the elderly. While 1 Timothy 5:4 specifically mentions widows and children/nephews, the underlying principle of familial responsibility is the same as EGW's statement about families ministering to their own relatives.
1 Timothy 5:6
"But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth."
"amusement for its own sake open the door to a flood of temptations. They give themselves up to social gaiety and thoughtless mirth, and their intercourse with pleasure lovers has an intoxicating effect upon the mind. They are led on from one form of dissipation to another, until they lose both the desire and the capacity for a life of usefulness. Their religious aspirations are chilled; their spiritual life is darkened. All the nobler faculties of the soul, all that link man with the spiritual world, are debased. COL 54.3"
The EGW passage describes the negative consequences of a life devoted to pleasure, which aligns with the sentiment expressed in 1 Timothy 5:6 about being "dead while she liveth".
1 Timothy 5:8
"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."
you. This is your capital. A judicious use of this strength, and persevering, industrious habits, would have enabled you to obtain the comforts of life. You have erred, and thought it was pride which led your wife to desire to have things more comfortable around her. She has been stinted and dealt closely with by you. She needs a more generous diet, a more plentiful supply of food upon her table; and in her house she needs things as comfortable and convenient as you can make them, things to make her work as easy as possible. But you have viewed matters from a wrong standpoint. You have thought that almost anything which could be eaten was good enough, if you could live upon it and retain strength. You have pleaded the necessity of spare diet to your feeble wife. But she cannot make good blood or flesh upon the diet to which you could confine yourself, and flourish. Some persons cannot subsist upon the same food upon which others can do well, even though it be prepared in the same manne…
The EGW passage directly addresses the husband's failure to provide for his wife's needs, which aligns with the principle in 1 Timothy 5:8 about providing for one's household. The EGW passage gives a specific example of neglecting the wife's needs.
Whenever they are able to do so, it should be the privilege of the members of every family to minister to their own kindred. When this cannot be, the work belongs to the church, and it should be accepted both as a privilege and as a duty. All who possess Christ's spirit will have a tender regard for the feeble and the aged. MH 204.3 The presence in our homes of one of these helpless ones is a precious opportunity to co-operate with Christ in His ministry of mercy and to develop traits of character like His. There is a blessing in the association of the old and the young. The young may bring sunshine into the hearts and lives of the aged. Those whose hold on life is weakening need the benefit of contact with the hopefulness and buoyancy of youth. And the young may be helped by the wisdom and experience of the old. Above all, they need to learn the lesson of unselfish ministry. The presence of one in need of sympathy and forbearance and self-sacrificing love would be to many a household …
Both passages emphasize the responsibility of family members to care for their own. EGW expands on this principle by including the church's role when family cannot provide care, and the spiritual benefits of caring for the vulnerable.
"so. Such do not know what they are talking about. They are deceiving themselves. Some have very expensive families to provide for, and they lack management. They do not realize that they are indebted to the cause of God for their homes and all that they have. They have not realized how much it costs to live. Should they engage in manual labor, they would not be free from anxiety and weariness. They could not, while laboring to support their families, be sitting down at their own firesides. It is only a few weary hours that a laboring man with a family dependent upon him for support can spend with his family at home. Some ministers do not love industrious labor, and they have cherished a feeling of dissatisfaction which is very unreasonable. God has marked every murmuring thought and word and feeling. Heaven is insulted by such an exhibition of weakness and lack of devotion to the cause of God. 1T 376.1"
The EGW passage criticizes ministers who complain about their circumstances and fail to provide for their families, echoing the sentiment in 1 Timothy 5:8 that those who do not provide for their own are worse than infidels.
"Special instruction has been given me in regard to our ministers. It is not God's will that they should seek to be rich. They should not engage in worldly enterprises; for this disqualifies them for giving their best powers to spiritual things. But they are to receive wages enough to support themselves and their families. They are not to have so many burdens laid upon them that they cannot give proper attention to the church in their own family; for it is their special duty to train their children for the Lord. GW 271"
EGW's statement that ministers should receive enough wages to support their families and not be burdened aligns with 1 Timothy 5:8, which states that those who do not provide for their own family have denied the faith. EGW is applying this principle specifically to ministers.
"Wills should be made in a manner to stand the test of law. After they are drawn they may remain for years and do no harm, if donations continue to be made from time to time as the cause has need. Death will not come one day sooner, brethren, because you have made your will. In disposing of your property by will to your relatives, be sure that you do not forget God's cause. You are His agents, holding His property; and His claims should have your first consideration. Your wife and children, of course, should not be left destitute; provision should be made for them if they are needy. But do not, simply because it is customary, bring into your will a long line of relatives who are not needy. 4T 482.3"
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of 1 Timothy 5:8, emphasizing the importance of providing for one's family. It expands on this by adding the consideration of God's cause alongside family needs.
"***** Chapter 90—Shifting Responsibilities Those Sabbathkeeping brethren who shift the responsibility of their stewardship into the hands of their wives, while they themselves are capable of managing the same, are unwise and in the transfer displease God. The stewardship of the husband cannot be transferred to the wife. Yet this is sometimes attempted, to the great injury of both. A believing husband has sometimes transferred his property to his unbelieving companion, hoping thereby to gratify her, disarm her opposition, and finally induce her to believe the truth. But this is no more nor less than an attempt to purchase peace, or to hire the wife to believe the truth. The means which God has lent to advance His cause the husband transfers to one who has no sympathy for the truth; what account will such a steward render when the great Master requires His own with usury? 1T 528"
The EGW passage discusses a husband's responsibility to manage his stewardship, which aligns with the principle of providing for one's household in 1 Timothy 5:8. The EGW passage expands on this by applying it to the specific context of stewardship and the potential consequences of mismanaging resources.
"As the members of a true family care for one another, ministering to the sick, supporting the weak, teaching the ignorant, training the inexperienced, so is “the household of faith” to care for its needy and helpless ones. Upon no consideration are these to be passed by. MH 201.4"
The EGW passage directly reflects the principle of caring for those within the faith community, especially those in need, as emphasized in 1 Timothy 5:8. The verse highlights the responsibility to provide for one's own, and EGW expands on this within the context of the 'household of faith'.
"There are fathers and mothers who long to labor in some foreign mission field; there are many who are active in Christian work outside the home, while their own children are strangers to the Saviour and His love. The work of winning their children for Christ many parents trust to the minister or the Sabbath school teacher, but in doing this they are neglecting their own God-given responsibility. The education and training of their children to be Christians is the highest service that parents can render to God. It is a work that demands patient labor, a lifelong diligent and persevering effort. By a neglect of this trust we prove ourselves unfaithful stewards. No excuse for such neglect will be accepted by God. COL 195.2"
The EGW passage directly applies the principle of providing for one's own household, extending it to the spiritual nurture of children. It strongly echoes the sentiment of 1 Timothy 5:8, emphasizing the parental responsibility to care for their children's spiritual well-being.
"Many who can but barely live when they are single, choose to marry and raise a family when they know they have nothing with which to support them. And worse than this, they have no family government. Their whole course in their family is marked with their loose, slack habits. They have but little control over themselves, and are passionate, impatient, and fretful. When such embrace the message, they feel that they are entitled to assistance from their more wealthy brethren; and if their expectations are not met, they complain of the church and accuse them of not living out their faith. Who must be the sufferers in this case? Must the cause of God be sapped, and the treasury in different places exhausted, to take care of these large families of poor? No. The parents must be the sufferers. They will not, as a general thing, suffer any greater lack after they embrace the Sabbath than they did before. 1T 273.2"
The EGW passage directly addresses the principle of providing for one's family, echoing the sentiment in 1 Timothy 5:8. Both emphasize the responsibility of individuals to care for their own households before seeking assistance from others.
"Let the minister's wife who has children remember that in her home she has a missionary field in which she should labor with untiring energy and unflagging zeal, knowing that the results of her work will endure throughout eternity. Are not the souls of her children of as much value as the souls of the heathen? then let her tend them with loving care. She is charged with the responsibility of showing to the world the power and excellence of home religion. She is to be controlled by principle, not by impulse, and she is to work with the consciousness that God is her helper. She is to allow nothing to divert her from her mission. GW 206.2"
The EGW passage applies the principle of providing for one's own household (1 Timothy 5:8) to the spiritual and emotional needs of a minister's children. It emphasizes the wife's role in nurturing their faith and ensuring their well-being, equating it to a vital missionary field.
The reproach resting upon the cause in regard to Sister A rests heavily upon you. You made much of her exercises and experience. She was weak, yet could in a measure fill her place in her family and keep her children together; but she had been from her home but a short time before her reason was dethroned. The backslidden state of the professed Sabbathkeepers in —— led you to influence Sister A to leave her family who needed her care, and come to —— that her influence might help the Sabbathkeepers there. An unhealthy excitement marked her course. Some of the inexperienced were deluded. The weak mind of Sister A was overtaxed, and disease fastened upon the brain. And the cause of God is deeply wounded and reproached on account of this. Brother A has been wronged; he must now suffer under a living trouble, and his children must be scattered. Those whose influence led to these sad consequences, have a work to do to relieve the mind of Brother A, and by a faithful and full acknowledgment t…
EGW's passage describes a situation where a family was neglected due to misguided religious zeal. This directly violates the principle outlined in 1 Timothy 5:8, which emphasizes the importance of providing for one's own family.
"The duty to help in the advancement of truth does not rest only upon the wealthy. All have a part to act. The man who has employed his time and strength to accumulate property is accountable for the disposition he makes of that property. If one has health and strength, that is his capital, and he must make a right use of it. If he spends hours in idleness and needless visiting and talking, he is slothful in business, which God's word forbids. Such have a work to do to provide for their own families, and then lay by them in store for charitable purposes as God has prospered them. 1T 324.3"
EGW directly echoes the principle of providing for one's family before charitable giving, as stated in 1 Timothy 5:8.
"Some householders stint the family table in order to provide expensive entertainment for visitors. This is unwise. In the entertainment of guests there should be greater simplicity. Let the needs of the family have first attention. MH 322.2"
This verse emphasizes the importance of providing for one's own family, which aligns with the passage's focus on prioritizing the family's needs over extravagant entertainment.
"The children and youth in these schools are to be taught something more than merely how to read. Industrial lines of work are to be carried forward. The students are to be provided with facilities for learning trades that will enable them to support themselves. 9T 201.3"
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of students learning trades to support themselves, which directly reflects the principle in 1 Timothy 5:8 that one should provide for their own.
"My sister, bind your children to your heart by affection. Give them proper care and attention in all things. Furnish them with becoming garments, that they may not be mortified by their appearance, for this would be injurious to their self-respect. You have seen that the world is devoted to fashion and dress, neglecting the mind and morals to decorate the person; but in avoiding this evil you verge upon the opposite extreme, and do not pay sufficient attention to your own dress and that of your children. It is always right to be neat and to be clad appropriately in a manner becoming to your age and station in life. 4T 142.3"
While not a direct quote, the EGW passage addresses the principle of providing for one's family, including their physical needs like clothing, which aligns with the principle in 1 Timothy 5:8 about providing for one's household.
I think your course highly dangerous. You have not felt the necessity of heeding the light which God has given you, and arousing yourself to save your family, acquitting yourself as a father and priest of your household. You did not deny the light given, you did not rise up against it; but you neglected to carry it out because it was not convenient and agreeable to your feelings to do this. Therefore you were like Meroz. You came not up to the help of the Lord, although the matter was of so vital consequence as to affect the eternal interests of your children. You neglected your duty. In this respect you were a slothful servant. You have but little sense of how God regards the neglect of parents to discipline their children. Had you reformed here, you would have seen the necessity of the same effort to maintain discipline and order in the church. Your slackness in your family has been seen also in your labors in the church. You cannot build up the church until you are a transformed man…
The EGW passage discusses the man's failure to care for his family and household, drawing a parallel to his lack of spiritual leadership. This aligns with the principle in 1 Timothy 5:8 that those who do not provide for their own household have denied the faith.
"There is no time and no money for charity. And often the home table is stinted. The food is ill selected and hastily prepared, and the demands of nature are but partially supplied. The result is wrong habits of diet, which create disease or lead to intemperance. Ed 247.1"
Both passages emphasize the importance of providing for one's family. EGW's statement about neglecting the home table and 1 Timothy's assertion that failing to provide for one's household is akin to denying the faith are directly related.
"The Child's Diet The best food for the infant is the food that nature provides. Of this it should not be needlessly deprived. It is a heartless thing for a mother, for the sake of convenience or social enjoyment, to seek to free herself from the tender office of nursing her little one. MH 383"
Both passages emphasize the responsibility of providing for one's own family. While 1 Timothy 5:8 speaks generally about providing for the household, the EGW passage specifically applies this principle to a mother's responsibility to nourish her child with breast milk. The connection is thematic, focusing on familial responsibility.
"Those who cannot wisely manage their own child or children are not qualified to act wisely in church matters or to deal with wiry minds subject to Satan's special temptations. If they can cheerfully and lovingly perform the part required of them as parents, then they can better understand how to bear burdens in the church. Dear sister, I advise you to make a good wife to your husband and a good home for him. Rely upon your own resources, and lean less heavily upon him. Arouse yourself to do the very work which the Lord would have you do. You are inclined to be anxious to do some great work, to fill some large mission, and neglect the small duties right in your path, which are just as necessary to be accomplished as the larger. You walk over these and aspire to a larger work. Let your ambition be aroused to be useful, to be a workman in the world instead of a spectator. 2T 568.1"
Both passages address familial responsibilities. 1 Timothy 5:8 focuses on financial provision, while the EGW passage addresses a wife's role in supporting her husband and managing the household. The connection is thematic rather than a direct principle, as the EGW passage broadens the scope of responsibility beyond just financial support.
1 Timothy 5:10
"Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work."
"Christ values acts of heartfelt courtesy. When anyone did Him a favor, with heavenly politeness He blessed the actor. He did not refuse the simplest flower plucked by the hand of a child, and offered to Him in love. He accepted the offerings of children, and blessed the givers, inscribing their names in the book of life. In the Scriptures, Mary's anointing of Jesus is mentioned as distinguishing her from the other Marys. Acts of love and reverence for Jesus are an evidence of faith in Him as the Son of God. And the Holy Spirit mentions, as evidences of woman's loyalty to Christ: “If she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.” 1 Timothy 5:10 . DA 564.4"
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 5:10 in this passage.
"There is no example given in the Word for brethren to wash sisters’ feet; [See Appendix .] but there is an example for sisters to wash the feet of brethren. Mary washed the feet of Jesus with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head. (See also 1 Timothy 5:10 .) I saw that the Lord had moved upon sisters to wash the feet of brethren and that it was according to gospel order. All should move understandingly and not make the washing of feet a tedious ceremony. EW 117.1"
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 5:10 in this passage.
1 Timothy 5:13
"And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not."
"There is a class of young ladies in this age who are merely useless creatures, only good to breathe, eat, wear, chat, and talk nonsense, while they hold in their fingers a bit of embroidery or crochet. But few of the youth show real sound judgment and good common sense. They lead a butterfly life with no special object in view. When this class of worldly associates get together, about all you can hear is a few silly remarks about dress, or some frivolous matter, and then they laugh at their own remarks which they consider very bright. This is frequently done in the presence of older persons, who can but feel saddened at such lack of reverence for their years. These youth seem to have lost all sense of modesty and good manners. Yet the manner in which they have been instructed leads them to think it the height of gentility. 1T 394.2"
Both passages critique idleness and frivolous behavior, particularly among young women. EGW describes young ladies engaged in useless activities and silly conversations, while 1 Timothy 5:13 condemns idleness, tattling, and busybodying.
1 Timothy 5:14
"I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully."
"I saw that it would be far better for Sister F to be with her family by herself and feel the responsibilities resting upon her. This would awaken into life her dormant energies. I was shown that the broken-up condition of this dear family while at —— was unfavorable to the education and training of their children. For their own good these children should be learning to take responsibilities in household labor and should feel that some burdens in life rest upon them. The mother, engaged in the education and training of her children, is employed in the very work which God has assigned to her and for the sake of which He has in mercy heard the prayers offered for her recovery. While she should shun wearing labor, she should above all avoid a life of inactivity. 1T 557.3"
Both passages discuss the role of women in the home and family. 1 Timothy 5:14 encourages younger women to marry, bear children, and manage the household, while the EGW passage emphasizes the mother's role in educating and training her children and taking responsibility within the family. The connection is thematic, focusing on the woman's sphere of influence.
"occupy almost any position that does not require physical labor. Young women regard housework as demeaning. And although the physical exercise required to perform household labor, if not too severe, is calculated to promote health, yet they will seek for an education that will fit them to become teachers or clerks, or will learn some trade which will confine them indoors to sedentary employment. The bloom of health fades from their cheeks, and disease fastens upon them, because they are robbed of physical exercise and their habits are perverted generally. All this because it is fashionable! They enjoy delicate life, which is feebleness and decay. 3T 158.1"
1 Timothy 5:14 encourages younger women to marry, bear children, and guide the house, while EGW's passage criticizes young women who avoid housework and seek sedentary employment. Both passages address the role of women and the importance of domestic responsibilities, though with different perspectives on the specific activities involved.
1 Timothy 5:17
"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine."
"The people of God generally feel a united interest in the spread of the truth. They cheerfully contribute toward a liberal support for those who labor in word and doctrine. And I saw that it is the duty of those who have the responsibility of distributing means, to see that the liberalities of the church are not squandered. Some of these liberal brethren have been laboring for years with shattered nerves and broken-down constitutions, caused by excessive labor in the past to obtain possessions here, and now as they freely give a portion of the substance which has cost them so much, it is the duty of those who labor in word and doctrine to manifest a zeal and self-sacrifice at least equal to that shown by these brethren. 1T 369.2"
The EGW passage directly supports the principle that those who labor in word and doctrine are worthy of support, echoing the sentiment in 1 Timothy 5:17, which speaks of elders who rule well being worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in word and doctrine.
"The most tender regard should be cherished for those whose life interest has been bound up with the work of God. These aged workers have stood faithful amid storm and trial. They may have infirmities, but they still possess talents that qualify them to stand in their place in God's cause. Though worn, and unable to bear the heavier burdens that younger men can and should carry, the counsel they can give is of the highest value. AA 573.1 They may have made mistakes, but from their failures they have learned to avoid errors and dangers, and are they not therefore competent to give wise counsel? They have borne test and trial, and though they have lost some of their vigor, the Lord does not lay them aside. He gives them special grace and wisdom. AA 573.2"
Both passages emphasize the importance of honoring and respecting elders, particularly those who have dedicated their lives to religious service. The EGW passage elaborates on the value of their experience and counsel, aligning with the principle of giving 'double honour' to elders who 'labour in the word and doctrine.'
"Those who have served their Master when the work went hard, who endured poverty and remained faithful when there were few to stand for truth, are to be honored and respected. The Lord desires the younger laborers to gain wisdom, strength, and maturity by association with these faithful men. Let the younger men realize that in having such workers among them they are highly favored. Let them give them an honored place in their councils. AA 573.3"
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of 1 Timothy 5:17, emphasizing the honor and respect due to those who have served faithfully, particularly elders. Both passages highlight the value of their experience and the importance of recognizing their contributions.
"“The burden of selling our publications should not rest upon ministers who labor in word and doctrine. Their time and strength should be held in reserve, that their efforts may be thorough in a series of meetings. Their time and strength should not be drawn upon to sell our books when they can be properly brought before the public by those who have not the burden of preaching the word. In entering new fields it may be necessary for the minister to take publications with him to offer for sale to the people, and it may be necessary in some other circumstances also to sell books and transact business for the office of publication. But such work should be avoided whenever it can be done by others.” 1T 688.1"
Both passages discuss the allocation of labor within the church, specifically regarding those who preach. 1 Timothy 5:17 speaks of honoring those who labor in word and doctrine, and the EGW passage argues that those who preach should not be burdened with selling publications, thus preserving their time and energy for preaching. This reflects a direct principle of prioritizing the ministry of the word.
"The time of trouble is just before us; and then stern necessity will require the people of God to deny self, and to eat merely enough to sustain life; but God will prepare us for that time. In that fearful hour our necessity will be God's opportunity to impart His strengthening power, and to sustain His people. But now God requires them to labor with their hands, the thing that is good, and lay by them in store as He has prospered them, and do their part in sustaining the cause of truth. This is a duty enjoined upon all who are not especially called to labor in word and doctrine, to devote their time to proclaiming to others the way of life and salvation. 1T 206.1"
The EGW passage mentions those 'especially called to labor in word and doctrine,' which directly parallels the concept of elders who labor in the word and doctrine in 1 Timothy 5:17. EGW applies this principle to a broader context, but the core idea is present.
Brethren of experience should be guarded; and instead of expecting these young preachers to help and lead them, should feel a responsibility upon them to take charge of these young preachers, to instruct, advise, and lead them, to have a fatherly care for them. Young ministers should have system, a firm purpose, and a mind to work, that they may eat no man's bread for nought. They should not go from place to place, and introduce some points of our faith calculated to stir up prejudice, and leave before the evidences of present truth are half presented. Young men who think that they have a duty to do in connection with the work should not take the responsibility of teaching the truth until they have availed themselves of the privilege of being under the influence of some experienced preacher who is systematic in his work; they should learn of him as a pupil at school would learn of his teacher. They should not go hither and thither, with no definite object or matured plans to carry out …
Both passages discuss the role and respect due to experienced leaders/elders in the church. EGW expands on the practical application of this principle, particularly in relation to younger ministers.
"Those who go forth as ministers have a solemn responsibility devolving upon them, which is strangely neglected. Some enjoy preaching, but they do not give personal labor to the churches. There is great need of instruction concerning obligations and duties to God, especially in regard to paying an honest tithe. Our ministers would feel sadly aggrieved if they were not promptly paid for their labor; but will they consider that there must be meat in the treasure-house of God wherewith to sustain the laborers? If they fail to do their whole duty in educating the people to be faithful in paying to God His own, there will be a shortage of means in the treasury to carry forward the Lord's work. GW 228.1"
Both passages discuss the support of ministers. 1 Timothy 5:17 speaks of honoring those who labor in word and doctrine, while EGW discusses the need to provide for ministers through tithes. The connection is thematic, focusing on the financial support of those in ministry.
Ministers have all that they ought to do to preach the word, and after they have urged solemn truth upon the people they should maintain a humble dignity as the preachers of exalted truth and as representatives of the truth presented to the people. After their labored effort they need rest. Even selling books upon present truth is a care, a tax to the mind, and a weariness to the body. If there are those who still have a reserve force and can be taxed without injury to themselves, there is important work for them to do, and it has but just commenced when they have spoken the truth to the people. Then come the exemplary preaching, the watchful care, the seeking to do good to others, the conversation, and visiting at the fireside from house to house, entering into the condition of mind and the spiritual state of those who listened to the discourse from their lips; exhorting this one, reproving that one, rebuking another, and comforting the afflicted, suffering, and desponding. The mind s…
Both passages discuss the role and responsibilities of ministers/elders, particularly their labor in preaching and teaching. While not a direct quote, the EGW passage expands on the idea of ministers deserving respect and recognition for their work, echoing the sentiment in 1 Timothy 5:17.
1 Timothy 5:18
"For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward."
"It was to this plan for the support of the ministry that Paul referred when he said, “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” And later, in writing to Timothy, the apostle said, “The laborer is worthy of his reward.” 1 Timothy 5:18 . AA 336.2"
EGW directly quotes 1 Timothy 5:18.
"In the various departments of secular labor, mental and physical, faithful workmen can earn good wages. Is not the work of disseminating truth, and leading souls to Christ, of more importance than any ordinary business? And are not those who faithfully engage in this work justly entitled to ample remuneration? By our estimate of the relative value of labor for moral and for physical good, we show our appreciation of the heavenly in contrast with the earthly. AA 341.1"
Both passages affirm the principle that laborers are worthy of their reward. 1 Timothy 5:18 uses the example of an ox not being muzzled while threshing grain. EGW applies this to ministers, arguing that their work is even more important than secular labor.
"Those placed in leading positions should be men who have sufficient breadth of mind to appreciate persons of cultivated intellect and to recompense them proportionately to the responsibilities they bear. True, those who engage in the work of God should not do so merely for the wages they receive, but rather for the honor of God, for the advancement of His cause, and to obtain imperishable riches. At the same time we should not expect that those who are capable of doing with exactness and thoroughness work that requires thought and painstaking effort should receive no greater compensation than the less skillful workman. A true estimate must be placed upon talent. Those who cannot appreciate good work and true ability should not be managers in our institutions, for their influence would tend to circumscribe the work and to bring it down to a low level. 5T 551.1"
EGW directly alludes to the principle found in 1 Timothy 5:18, that laborers are worthy of their reward, when discussing fair compensation for those working in God's cause.
1 Timothy 5:19
"Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses."
"The Bible specially teaches us to beware of lightly bringing accusation against those whom God has called to act as His ambassadors. The apostle Peter, describing a class who are abandoned sinners, says, “Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.” 2 Peter 2:10, 11 . And Paul, in his instruction for those who are placed over the church, says, “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.” 1 Timothy 5:19 . He who has placed upon men the heavy responsibility of leaders and teachers of His people will hold the people accountable for the manner in which they treat His servants. We are to honor those whom God has honored. The judgment visited upon Miriam should be a rebuke to all who yield to jealousy, and murmur against those upon whom God lays the burden of His work. PP 386.1"
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 5:19 in this passage.
1 Timothy 5:20
"Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear."
"My husband then stated that he should understand that these words of our Lord had reference to cases of personal trespass, and could not be applied in the case of this sister. She had not trespassed against Sister White. But that which had been reproved publicly was public wrongs which threatened the prosperity of the church and the cause. Here, said my husband, is a text applicable to the case: 1 Timothy 5:20 : “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” 2T 15.2"
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 5:20 in this passage.
The Lord would teach His people to acknowledge the justice of His corrections, that others may fear. There were those in Israel whom the warning of this terrible judgment might save from presuming upon God's forbearance until they, too, should seal their own destiny. The divine rebuke is upon that false sympathy for the sinner which endeavors to excuse his sin. It is the effect of sin to deaden the moral perceptions, so that the wrongdoer does not realize the enormity of transgression, and without the convicting power of the Holy Spirit he remains in partial blindness to his sin. It is the duty of Christ's servants to show these erring ones their peril. Those who destroy the effect of the warning by blinding the eyes of sinners to the real character and results of sin often flatter themselves that they thus give evidence of their charity; but they are working directly to oppose and hinder the work of God's Holy Spirit; they are lulling the sinner to rest on the brink of destruction; th…
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of rebuking sinners publicly to deter others, as stated in 1 Timothy 5:20. The purpose is the same: to instill fear and prevent others from sinning.
"I expected that the minister would give some whispered reproof or advice to this sister; but he was apparently regardless of her showy apparel, and no rebuke was administered. We both received the right hand of fellowship. The hand decorated with jewels was clasped by the representative of Christ, and both our names were registered upon the church book. 1T 20.3"
EGW's expectation of a rebuke aligns with the principle of rebuking sin mentioned in 1 Timothy 5:20. The passage highlights the lack of rebuke for the sister's showy apparel, which EGW considered inappropriate. This directly relates to the biblical instruction to address sin within the church.
"them know that it is not pleasing. They must repulse this forwardness even if they are thought to be rude. Such things should be rebuked in order to save the cause from reproach. Young women who have been converted to the truth and to God will listen to reproof and will be reformed. 1T 381.1"
Both passages directly address the need to rebuke sin, with the purpose of correction and preventing further transgression. The EGW passage applies this principle to a specific context, but the underlying principle is the same.
1 Timothy 5:22
"Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure."
"***** Those who are about to enter upon the sacred work of teaching Bible truth to the world, should be carefully examined by faithful, experienced persons. After they have had some experience, there is still another work to be done for them: they should be presented before the Lord in earnest prayer, that He may indicate by His Holy Spirit whether they are acceptable to Him. The apostle says, “Lay hands suddenly on no man.” [ 1 Timothy 5:22 .] In the days of the apostles, the ministers of God did not dare to rely upon their own judgment in selecting or accepting men to take the solemn and sacred position of mouthpiece for God. They chose the men whom their judgment accepted, and then placed them before the Lord to see if He would accept them to go forth as His representatives. No less than this should be done now. GW 438.1"
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 5:22 in this passage.
"To know what constitutes purity of mind, soul, and body is an important part of education. Paul summed up the attainments possible for Timothy by saying, “Keep thyself pure.” 1 Timothy 5:22 . Impurity of thought, word, or action will not be indulged by the child of God. Every encouragement and the richest blessings are held up before the overcomers of evil practices, but the most fearful penalties are laid upon those who profane the body and defile the soul. CT 103.1"
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 5:22 in this passage.
"In many places we meet men who have been hurried into responsible positions as elders of the church, when they are not qualified for such a position. They have not proper government over themselves. Their influence is not good. The church is in trouble continually in consequence of the defective character of the leaders. Hands have been laid too suddenly upon these men. GW 438.2"
The EGW passage directly addresses the issue of hastily appointing unqualified individuals to leadership positions, mirroring the warning in 1 Timothy 5:22 against laying hands suddenly on anyone.