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
Acts 3:2
"And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;"
"A short time after the descent of the Holy Spirit, and immediately after a season of earnest prayer, Peter and John, going up to the temple to worship, saw at the gate Beautiful a cripple, forty years of age, whose life, from his birth, had been one of pain and infirmity. This unfortunate man had long desired to see Jesus, that he might be healed; but he was almost helpless, and was far removed from the scene of the great Physician's labors. His pleadings at last induced some friends to bear him to the gate of the temple, but upon arriving there, he found that the One upon whom his hopes were centered, had been put to a cruel death. AA 57.2"
EGW's description of the lame man at the gate Beautiful closely follows the account in Acts 3:2. The details of the man's condition and location are nearly identical, making this a clear explicit allusion.
Acts 3:4-6
"And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."
"His disappointment excited the sympathy of those who knew for how long he had eagerly hoped to be healed by Jesus, and daily they brought him to the temple, in order that passers-by might be induced by pity to give him a trifle to relieve his wants. As Peter and John passed, he asked an alms from them. The disciples regarded him compassionately, and Peter said, “Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none.” As Peter thus declared his poverty, the countenance of the cripple fell; but it grew bright with hope as the apostle continued, “But such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. AA 58.1"
EGW directly quotes and elaborates on Acts 3:4-6, describing Peter's encounter with the lame man. The shared phrases and narrative details confirm this as an explicit allusion.
Acts 3:6
"Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."
"Sister Frances was lying in the chamber above, and before he ceased speaking Sister Curtis was on her way to the stairs. She entered the sickroom with the Spirit of God upon her, and taking the invalid by the hand, said, “Sister Frances, in the name of the Lord arise, and be whole.” New life shot through the veins of the sick girl, a holy faith took possession of her, and obeying its impulse, she rose from her bed, stood upon her feet, and walked the room, praising God for her recovery. She was soon dressed, and came down into the room where we were assembled, her countenance lighted up with unspeakable joy and gratitude. LS 74.3"
Both passages describe a miraculous healing where someone is commanded to rise and walk in the name of the Lord. The language and the event are very similar.
"A sofa was arranged for her near the speaker's stand, with its back toward the congregation. Elder Waggoner spoke on the rise and early work of the message, and its progress up to 1882. There was a large congregation, and several of the business men of Healdsburg were present. When Elder Waggoner had finished speaking, Mrs. White said, “Help me onto my feet.” Sister Ings and her son lifted her up, and she was led to the desk. Laying hold of the pulpit with both hands, she began, in a feeble way, to tell the people that this might be the last time they would hear her voice at camp meeting. After she had spoken a few sentences, there was a change in her voice and attitude. She felt a thrill of healing power. Her voice strengthened, and her sentences came clear and full. As she proceeded with her address, her strength was manifest. She stood firmly, and did not need to hold onto the desk for support. LS 262.4"
The EGW passage strongly parallels the healing miracle in Acts 3:6. In both accounts, a person who is weak and infirm experiences a sudden restoration of strength and ability to stand and speak. The emphasis on divine power enabling physical healing is a clear thematic parallel.
Acts 3:6-8
"Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God."
"The Disciples of Christ With mighty power the disciples preached a crucified and risen Saviour. Signs and wonders were wrought by them in the name of Jesus; the sick were healed; and a man who had been lame from his birth was restored to perfect soundness and entered with Peter and John into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God in the sight of all the people. The news spread, and the people began to press around the disciples. Many ran together, greatly astonished at the cure that had been wrought. EW 192"
EGW directly recounts the events of Acts 3:6-8, including specific details like the man leaping and praising God. It's more than a thematic parallel; it's a retelling of the same event.
"Brother Hyde immediately dressed and walked out of the room, praising God, and with the light of heaven shining upon his countenance. A farmer's dinner was ready upon the table. Said he, “If I were well, I should partake of this food; and as I believe God has healed me, I shall carry out my faith.” He sat down to dinner with the rest, and ate heartily without injury. His recovery was complete and permanent. LS 76.3"
Both passages describe miraculous healing, praising God, and immediate action following the healing. The Acts passage describes a lame man healed and immediately walking and praising God, while the EGW passage describes someone healed and immediately eating a meal as a demonstration of faith. The parallels are strong.
Acts 3:7
"And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength."
"“And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle-bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: and they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened.” AA 58.2"
The EGW passage directly quotes and elaborates on Acts 3:7, describing the healing of the lame man. It's a clear and direct reference.
Acts 3:7-8
"And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God."
"The large congregation witnessed the healing. All noticed the change in her voice, and many observed the change in her countenance. They saw the sudden transition from a deathlike paleness to the flush of health, as the natural color was seen, first in her neck, then in the lower part of the face, and then in the forehead. One of the business men of Healdsburg exclaimed, “A miracle is being wrought in sight of this whole congregation!” After the meeting she testified to inquiring friends that the Lord had healed her. With the healing came strength and courage to labor, and during the remainder of the meeting she spoke five times. LS 263.1"
Both passages describe a sudden physical healing that is witnessed by a crowd. The EGW passage describes a restoration of health and color, while Acts 3:7-8 describes the strengthening of feet and ankles. The core theme of miraculous healing is present in both.
Acts 3:11
"And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering."
"“And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.” They were astonished that the disciples could perform miracles similar to those performed by Jesus. Yet here was this man, for forty years a helpless cripple, now rejoicing in the full use of his limbs, free from pain, and happy in believing in Jesus. AA 58.3"
The EGW passage directly quotes and elaborates on Acts 3:11, describing the reaction of the people to the healed man. It's a clear and direct reference.
Acts 3:12-15
"And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses."
"said to them, “Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified His Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And His name through faith in His name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know.” EW 192.2"
EGW quotes extensively and accurately from Acts 3:12-15, making it a clear and direct allusion.
Acts 3:16
"And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all."
"from the dead. “His name through faith in His name,” the apostle declared, “hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by Him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” AA 59.1"
The EGW passage directly quotes Acts 3:16, making it a clear and explicit allusion.
"In like manner you are a sinner. You cannot atone for your past sins; you cannot change your heart and make yourself holy. But God promises to do all this for you through Christ. You believe that promise. You confess your sins and give yourself to God. You will to serve Him. Just as surely as you do this, God will fulfill His word to you. If you believe the promise,—believe that you are forgiven and cleansed,—God supplies the fact; you are made whole, just as Christ gave the paralytic power to walk when the man believed that he was healed. It is so if you believe it. SC 51.1"
Both passages highlight the role of faith in receiving healing and strength. The EGW passage uses the healing of the paralytic as an example, while Acts 3:16 speaks of faith in Jesus' name making a man strong. The parallel lies in the emphasis on faith as the means by which divine power is accessed.
Acts 3:19
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;"
"Chapter 3—Repentance How shall a man be just with God? How shall the sinner be made righteous? It is only through Christ that we can be brought into harmony with God, with holiness; but how are we to come to Christ? Many are asking the same question as did the multitude on the Day of Pentecost, when, convicted of sin, they cried out, “What shall we do?” The first word of Peter's answer was, “Repent.” Acts 2:37, 38 . At another time, shortly after, he said, “Repent, ... and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” Acts 3:19 . SC 23"
Ellen White directly references Acts 3:19 in this passage.
"might secure if they would believe and obey? Probation still lingers, and it is our privilege to lay hold of the hope set before us in the gospel. Let us repent and be converted and forsake our sins, that they may be blotted out. “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:33-36 . 9T 268.2"
EGW uses the phrase 'Repent and be converted and forsake our sins, that they may be blotted out' which is a clear allusion to Acts 3:19.
"Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the life. SC 23.2"
Both passages connect repentance with turning away from sin. The EGW passage expands on the internal aspect of repentance (sorrow, seeing sinfulness) which is implied in the call to 'be converted' in Acts 3:19.
There is great need today of just such sincere, heartfelt repentance and confession. Those who have not humbled their souls before God in acknowledging their guilt have not yet fulfilled the first condition of acceptance. If we have not experienced that repentance which is not to be repented of, and have not confessed our sin with true humiliation of soul and brokenness of spirit, abhorring our iniquity, we have never sought truly for the forgiveness of sin; and if we have never sought we have never found the peace of God. The only reason why we may not have remission of sins that are past is that we are not willing to humble our proud hearts and comply with the conditions of the word of truth. There is explicit instruction given concerning this matter. Confession of sin, whether public or private, should be heartfelt and freely expressed. It is not to be urged from the sinner. It is not to be made in a flippant and careless way or forced from those who have no realizing sense of the a…
Both passages emphasize the importance of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. EGW elaborates on the sincerity and humility required for true repentance, which aligns with the call to repentance in Acts 3:19.
"And there were in Jerusalem many who had secretly believed on Jesus, and many who had been deceived by the priests and rulers. To these also the gospel was to be presented. They were to be called to repentance. The wonderful truth that through Christ alone could remission of sins be obtained was to be made plain. While all Jerusalem was stirred by the thrilling events of the past few weeks, the preaching of the gospel would make the deepest impression. DA 820.4"
The EGW passage directly echoes the call to repentance and the promise of forgiveness of sins through Christ, which is the core message of Acts 3:19. It emphasizes the importance of presenting this truth to those who had been deceived.
"This chapter is filled with instruction appropriate for us at this time. The word of the Lord to us is: “Repent ye; prepare the way for a revival of My work.” 8T 10.1"
EGW directly quotes "Repent ye" from Acts 3:19 and connects it to preparing for a revival, which aligns with the verse's call to repentance for the blotting out of sins and the coming of refreshing.
"penalty of disobedience. Wrongdoers must repent of their sins and humble themselves before God, whose just wrath they have incurred by breaking His law, and they must also exercise faith in the blood of Christ as their only means of pardon. The Son of God had died as their sacrifice and had ascended to heaven to stand before the Father as their advocate. By repentance and faith they might be freed from the condemnation of sin and through the grace of Christ be enabled henceforth to render obedience to the law of God. AA 393.1"
Both passages emphasize the importance of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The EGW passage builds upon this principle by connecting it to faith in Christ and obedience to God's law.
"You have moved from impulse. Excitement has been agreeable to your organization. Your only hope now is to sincerely repent of your past transgressions of God's law and purify your soul by obeying the truth. Cultivate purity of thought and purity of life. The grace of God will be your strength to restrain your passions and curb your appetites. Earnest prayer and watching thereunto will bring the Holy Spirit to your aid to perfect the work and make you like your unerring Pattern. 2T 91.2"
Both passages emphasize repentance and conversion as a means of having sins forgiven. While the wording differs, the underlying principle is the same.
"“Meeting commenced Monday at 10 a.m. Brethren Rodman and Howard were present. Brother Newell Mead, who was very feeble and nervous, almost exactly like your father in his past sickness, was sent for to attend the meeting. Again the condition of the church was dwelt upon, and the severest censure was passed upon those who had stood in the way of its prosperity. With the most earnest entreaties we pleaded with them to be converted to God and face rightabout. The Lord aided us in the work; Brother Ball felt, but moved slowly. His wife felt deeply for him. Our morning meeting closed at three or four in the afternoon. All these hours we had been engaged, first one of us, then another, earnestly laboring for the unconverted youth. We appointed another meeting for the evening, to commence at six. 1T 658.3"
The EGW passage describes pleading with people to be converted, which aligns with the call to repentance and conversion in Acts 3:19. The phrase 'face rightabout' is a paraphrase of conversion.
"I have words for all who may suppose that they are safe in obtaining their education in Battle Creek. The Lord has blotted out two of our largest institutions that were established in Battle Creek, and has given warning after warning, even as Christ gave warning to Bethsaida and Capernaum. There is a necessity of giving earnest attention to every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. There can be no sinless departure from the words of Christ. The Saviour urges the erring ones to repent. Those who humble their hearts and confess their sins will be pardoned. Their transgressions will be forgiven. But the man who thinks that should he confess his sins he would show weakness, will not find pardon, will not see Christ as his Redeemer, but will go on and on in transgression, making blunder after blunder and adding sin to sin. What will such a one do in the day that the books are opened and every man is judged according to the things written in the books? 9T 266.2"
Both passages emphasize repentance and the blotting out of sins. EGW's passage expands on the consequences of failing to repent, aligning with the broader theme of forgiveness and judgment found in Acts 3:19.
"It will take money and earnest, persevering effort to do that which needs to be done among the colored people. Every man needs now to stand in his lot and place, confessing and forsaking his sins, and working in harmony with his brethren. God's workers are to be of one mind and one heart, praying for the impartation of the Spirit and believing that God will fulfill His word. 9T 216.3"
Both passages emphasize the importance of confessing and forsaking sins. While not a direct quote, the concept is clearly present in both.
"they first discovered that they were in error. Then the thorns could have been more easily rooted out. Yet I saw that there were men of moral worth in ——, some who will yet be tested upon present truth. If the church will arise and be converted, the Lord will return unto them and give them His Spirit. Then their influence will tell for the truth. 1T 249.3"
EGW's statement 'If the church will arise and be converted' directly echoes the call to repentance and conversion in Acts 3:19. The promise of 'times of refreshing' from the Lord's presence is also thematically linked to EGW's mention of the Lord returning and giving His Spirit.
There are some professed believers who accept certain portions of the Testimonies as the message of God, while they reject those portions that condemn their favorite indulgences. Such persons are working contrary to their own welfare and the welfare of the church. It is essential that we walk in the light while we have the light. Those who claim to believe in health reform, and yet work counter to its principles in the daily life practice, are hurting their own souls and are leaving wrong impressions upon the minds of believers and unbelievers. 9T 154.2 Strength Through Obedience A solemn responsibility rests upon those who know the truth, that all their works shall correspond with their faith, and that their lives shall be refined and sanctified, and they be prepared for the work that must rapidly be done in these closing days of the message. They have no time or strength to spend in the indulgence of appetite. The words should come to us now with impelling earnestness: “Repent ye the…
EGW directly quotes Acts 3:19, making this an explicit allusion. The context of repentance is also relevant to the surrounding text.
"You all need the converting power of God. You need to seek Him for yourselves. For your soul's sake neglect this work no longer. All your trouble grows out of your separation from God. Your disunion and dissension are the fruit of an unchristian character. 5T 51.1"
The call to seek God and the need for conversion directly echoes the call to repentance and conversion found in Acts 3:19.
"The world needs today what it needed nineteen hundred years ago—a revelation of Christ. A great work of reform is demanded, and it is only through the grace of Christ that the work of restoration, physical, mental, and spiritual, can be accomplished. MH 143.2"
Both passages emphasize the need for repentance and restoration through Christ. Acts 3:19 speaks of sins being blotted out and times of refreshing from the Lord, while the EGW passage highlights the need for a revelation of Christ to accomplish physical, mental, and spiritual restoration. The connection is thematic and relevant.
"There is a marked neglect of the cautions and warnings that have been given from time to time. When there is a seeking of the Lord and a confession of sin, when the needed reformation takes place, united zeal and earnestness will be shown in restoring what has been withheld. The Lord will manifest His pardoning love, and means will come to cancel the debts on our institutions. 8T 89.2"
Both passages connect repentance and confession of sin with divine forgiveness and blessing. Acts 3:19 speaks of sins being blotted out and times of refreshing coming from the Lord after repentance, while the EGW passage speaks of the Lord manifesting His pardoning love and providing means to cancel debts after confession of sin and reformation.
"In consequence of this spirit of rebellion, our work in Maine required seven weeks of the most trying, laborious, and disagreeable toil. But as we left that State, we were comforted with the fact that all had confessed their rebellion, and that a few had been led to seek the Lord and embrace the truth. LS 178.3"
The EGW passage describes a situation where people confessed their rebellion and sought the Lord, leading to a sense of comfort. This parallels the theme of repentance and conversion in Acts 3:19, which promises the blotting out of sins and times of refreshing from the Lord's presence.
"The present activity of Satan in working upon hearts, and upon churches and nations, should startle every student of prophecy. The end is near. Let our churches arise. Let the converting power of God be experienced in the hearts of the individual members, and then we shall see the deep movings of the Spirit of God. The forgiveness of sins is not the sole result of the death of Jesus. He made the infinite sacrifice, not only that sin might be removed, but that human nature might be restored, rebeautified, reconstructed from its ruins, and made fit for the presence of God. 5T 537.1"
Both passages connect conversion with the blotting out of sins and a refreshing from the Lord. EGW speaks of the converting power of God and the restoration of human nature, which aligns with the concept of repentance and conversion in Acts 3:19.
As the disciples waited for the fulfillment of the promise, they humbled their hearts in true repentance and confessed their unbelief. As they called to remembrance the words that Christ had spoken to them before His death they understood more fully their meaning. Truths which had passed from their memory were again brought to their minds, and these they repeated to one another. They reproached themselves for their misapprehension of the Saviour. Like a procession, scene after scene of His wonderful life passed before them. As they meditated upon His pure, holy life they felt that no toil would be too hard, no sacrifice too great, if only they could bear witness in their lives to the loveliness of Christ's character. Oh, if they could but have the past three years to live over, they thought, how differently they would act! If they could only see the Master again, how earnestly they would strive to show Him how deeply they loved Him, and how sincerely they sorrowed for having ever griev…
Both passages discuss repentance. The EGW passage describes the disciples' repentance and confession of unbelief while waiting for the Holy Spirit. Acts 3:19 calls for repentance so sins may be blotted out. The connection is thematic, not a direct quote or explicit allusion.
"The fanaticism and errors into which he had fallen through an evil influence seemed to hinder the exercise of his faith, but he gratefully received the plain testimony borne him, made humble confession of his fault, and took his position firmly for the truth. LS 76.1"
Both passages deal with repentance and conversion. The EGW passage describes someone confessing fault and taking a position for truth, which aligns with the call to repentance in Acts 3:19.
"“All at once we came to a turntable, large enough to take on the whole train. Brother and Sister White were standing there and, as I stepped off the train, they said: ‘this train is going all wrong. It must be turned square about.’ They both laid hold of cranks that moved the machinery turning the table and tugged with all their might. Never did men work harder propelling a handcar than they did at the cranks of the turntable. I stood and watched till I saw the train beginning to turn, when I spoke out and said, ‘it moves,’ and laid hold to help them. I paid but little attention to the train, we were so intent upon performing our labor of turning the table. 1T 601.2"
The EGW passage describes a symbolic vision of turning a train around, which can be interpreted as a call to repentance and conversion. This aligns with the message of Acts 3:19, which urges repentance for the blotting out of sins. The act of turning the train symbolizes a change of direction, mirroring the concept of conversion.
"Just before the lamb were elevated seats, upon which sat a company looking very happy. The light of heaven seemed to shine upon their faces, and they praised God and sang songs of glad thanksgiving that seemed like the music of the angels. These were they who had come before the lamb, confessed their sins, received pardon, and were now waiting in glad expectation of some joyful event. 1T 27.3"
Both passages connect repentance and forgiveness of sins with a positive future event. The EGW passage describes people who have confessed their sins and received pardon, while Acts 3:19 speaks of sins being blotted out and times of refreshing coming from the Lord.
"Just here is a point on which many may err, and hence they fail of receiving the help that Christ desires to give them. They think that they cannot come to Christ unless they first repent, and that repentance prepares for the forgiveness of their sins. It is true that repentance does precede the forgiveness of sins; for it is only the broken and contrite heart that will feel the need of a Saviour. But must the sinner wait till he has repented before he can come to Jesus? Is repentance to be made an obstacle between the sinner and the Saviour? SC 26.1"
Acts 3:19 links repentance with the blotting out of sins. The EGW passage discusses the common misconception that repentance must precede coming to Christ for forgiveness. Both passages deal with the timing and necessity of repentance in relation to forgiveness of sins.
"A great and good work was done for this dear people. Wrongs were freely and fully confessed, union was restored, and the blessing of God rested down upon the work. My husband labored to bring up the systematic benevolence of the church to the figures which should be adopted in all our churches, and his efforts resulted in raising the amount to be paid into the treasury annually by that church about three hundred dollars. Those in the church who had been in trial about some of my testimonies, especially respecting the dress question, became fully settled on hearing the matter explained. The health and the dress reform were adopted, and a large amount was raised for the Health Institute. 1T 571.2"
The EGW passage describes confession of sins and a resulting blessing, which aligns with the theme of repentance and refreshing in Acts 3:19. However, the connection is not direct or explicit.
"Brother and Sister Howe accompanied us to West Windsor, where we were received and welcomed by Brother and Sister Carman. Sabbath and first day we met the brethren and sisters from the churches in the vicinity and had freedom in bearing our testimony to them. The refreshing Spirit of the Lord rested upon those who felt a special interest in the work of God. Our conference meetings were good, and nearly all bore testimony that they were strengthened and greatly encouraged. 1T 578.2"
The EGW passage mentions 'The refreshing Spirit of the Lord rested upon those who felt a special interest in the work of God,' which echoes the 'times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord' in Acts 3:19.
"The good work wrought for the church at Battle Creek last fall, the thorough reform and turning to the Lord by physicians, helpers, and managers at the Health Institute, and the general agreement of our brethren and sisters in all parts of the field relative to the great object of the Health Institute and the manner it should be conducted, to which is added the varied experience of more than one year, not only in the wrong course, but also in a right direction, give me more confidence that the health reform and the Health Institute will prove a success than I ever had before. I still fondly hope to see the Health Institute at Battle Creek prospering and in every respect the institute shown me. But it will take time to fully correct and outgrow the errors of the past. With the blessing of God this can and will be done. 1T 635.1"
Both passages discuss repentance and turning to God. The EGW passage speaks of reform and turning to the Lord, while Acts 3:19 speaks of repentance and conversion. The connection is thematic, but not a strong or direct allusion.
Acts 3:21
"Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."
About His coming cluster the glories of that “restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” Acts 3:21 . Then the long-continued rule of evil shall be broken; “the kingdoms of this world” will become “the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15 . “The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.” “The Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” He shall be “for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of His people.” Isaiah 40:5 ; 61:11 ; Isaiah 28:5 . GC 301.3 It is then that the peaceful and long-desired kingdom of the Messiah shall be established under the whole heaven. “The Lord shall comfort Zion: He will comfort all her waste places; and He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord.” “The glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the …
Ellen White directly references Acts 3:21 in this passage.
In the beginning the Father and the Son had rested upon the Sabbath after Their work of creation. When “the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them” ( Genesis 2:1 ), the Creator and all heavenly beings rejoiced in contemplation of the glorious scene. “The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7 . Now Jesus rested from the work of redemption; and though there was grief among those who loved Him on earth, yet there was joy in heaven. Glorious to the eyes of heavenly beings was the promise of the future. A restored creation, a redeemed race, that having conquered sin could never fall,—this, the result to flow from Christ's completed work, God and angels saw. With this scene the day upon which Jesus rested is forever linked. For “His work is perfect;” and “whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever.” Deuteronomy 32:4 ; Ecclesiastes 3:14 . When there shall be a “restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all …
Ellen White directly references Acts 3:21 in this passage.
"The great plan of redemption results in fully bringing back the world into God's favor. All that was lost by sin is restored. Not only man but the earth is redeemed, to be the eternal abode of the obedient. For six thousand years Satan has struggled to maintain possession of the earth. Now God's original purpose in its creation is accomplished. “The saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.” Daniel 7:18 . PP 342.1"
Both passages discuss the restoration of all things. While not a direct quote, the concept of restitution in Acts 3:21 aligns with EGW's statement about bringing the world back into God's favor and restoring what was lost by sin.
Acts 3:22
"For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you."
Among the Jews there were yet steadfast souls, descendants of that holy line through whom a knowledge of God had been preserved. These still looked for the hope of the promise made unto the fathers. They strengthened their faith by dwelling upon the assurance given through Moses, “A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you.” Acts 3:22 . Again, they read how the Lord would anoint One “to preach good tidings unto the meek,” “to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives,” and to declare the “acceptable year of the Lord.” Isaiah 61:1, 2 . They read how He would “set judgment in the earth,” how the isles should “wait for His law,” how the Gentiles should come to His light, and kings to the brightness of His rising. Isaiah 42:4 ; 60:3 . DA 34.2 The dying words of Jacob filled them with hope: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his fe…
Ellen White directly references Acts 3:22 in this passage.
The priest went through the ceremony of his official work. He took the child in his arms, and held it up before the altar. After handing it back to its mother, he inscribed the name “Jesus” on the roll of the first-born. Little did he think, as the babe lay in his arms, that it was the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory. The priest did not think that this babe was the One of whom Moses had written, “A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you.” Acts 3:22 . He did not think that this babe was He whose glory Moses had asked to see. But One greater than Moses lay in the priest's arms; and when he enrolled the child's name, he was enrolling the name of One who was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy. That name was to be its death warrant; for the system of sacrifices and offerings was waxing old; the type had almost reached its antitype, the shadow its substance. DA 52.2 The Sh…
The EGW passage directly quotes Acts 3:22 and connects it to the presentation of Jesus in the temple, drawing a parallel between Moses' prophecy and the infant Jesus.