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 6:1
"And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration."
"Thus it came to pass that as disciples were multiplied, the enemy succeeded in arousing the suspicions of some who had formerly been in the habit of looking with jealousy on their brethren in the faith and of finding fault with their spiritual leaders, and so “there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews.” The cause of complaint was an alleged neglect of the Greek widows in the daily distribution of assistance. Any inequality would have been contrary to the spirit of the gospel, yet Satan had succeeded in arousing suspicion. Prompt measures must now be taken to remove all occasion for dissatisfaction, lest the enemy triumph in his effort to bring about a division among the believers. AA 88.1"
The EGW passage directly references and explains the event described in Acts 6:1, including the murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews due to the neglect of their widows. This is a clear and direct allusion.
Acts 6:1-7
"And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith."
"“The Lord of hosts shall defend them; ... the Lord their God shall save them in that day as the flock of His people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon His land.” Zechariah 9:15, 16 . AA 86.2 Chapter 9—The Seven Deacons This chapter is based on Acts 6:1-7 . “In those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” AA 87"
Ellen White directly references Acts 6:1-7 in this passage.
Acts 6:2-4
"Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."
"***** To fasten a minister to one place by giving him the oversight of business matters connected with the work of the church is not conducive to his spirituality. To do this is not in accordance with the Bible plan as outlined in the sixth chapter of Acts. Study this plan, for it is approved of God. Follow the word. 7T 252.2"
EGW explicitly references Acts 6 and applies its principle of delegating tasks to avoid overburdening spiritual leaders.
Acts 6:3
"Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."
"Men and women of God, persons of discernment and wisdom, should be appointed to look after the poor and needy, the household of faith first. These should report to the church and counsel as to what should be done. 6T 278.4"
The EGW passage directly echoes the concept of appointing individuals to care for the needy, mirroring the selection of deacons in Acts 6. The phrase 'look after the poor and needy' and the emphasis on discernment and wisdom strongly allude to the biblical text.
"others ever before them. Never should one be exalted to a responsible position merely because he desires it. Those only should be chosen who are qualified for the position. Those who are to bear responsibilities should first be proved and give evidence that they are free from jealousy, that they will not take a dislike to this or that one, while they have a few favored friends and take no notice of others. God grant that all may move just right in that institution. 1T 566.3"
Acts 6:3 describes the selection of men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, for a specific task. The EGW passage echoes this principle by emphasizing the need to choose qualified individuals for responsible positions, suggesting a direct connection in the underlying principle of selecting capable and virtuous leaders.
"Church Officers and Workers Great care should be exercised in selecting officers for the new churches. Let them be men and women who are thoroughly converted. Let those be chosen who are best qualified to give instruction, those who can minister both in word and in deed. There is a deep-seated necessity for work in every line. 6T 85"
Both passages discuss the selection of church leaders based on specific qualities. Acts 6:3 focuses on honesty, being full of the Holy Ghost, and wisdom, while EGW emphasizes conversion and the ability to instruct and minister. There is a clear thematic overlap in the need for qualified individuals.
"When my husband became so feeble, before our removal from Rochester, he desired to free himself from the responsibility of the publishing work. He proposed that the church take charge of the work, and that it be managed by a publishing committee whom they should appoint, and that no one connected with the office derive any financial benefit therefrom beyond the wages received for his labor. 1T 101.1"
Both passages involve delegating responsibility to a committee chosen by the church, suggesting a thematic parallel in organizational structure and shared responsibility.
"Every member of the church has a voice in choosing officers of the church. The church chooses the officers of the state conferences. Delegates chosen by the state conferences choose the officers of the union conferences, and delegates chosen by the union conferences choose the officers of the General Conference. By this arrangement every conference, every institution, every church, and every individual, either directly or through representatives, has a voice in the election of the men who bear the chief responsibilities in the General Conference. 8T 236.4"
The EGW passage describes a system of representation and election of officers within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This echoes the principle demonstrated in Acts 6:3, where the early church members were instructed to choose men to oversee specific tasks. Both passages highlight the importance of the community's involvement in selecting leaders.
"The Conference appointed a committee to outline plans, and another committee to study the question of location; and it authorized the holding of a worker's training school while waiting for the selection of a site and the erection of buildings. LS 334.3"
Both passages describe the appointment of committees to handle specific tasks within a religious community. While the specific tasks differ, the underlying principle of delegating responsibilities to qualified individuals is present in both passages.
Acts 6:4
"But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."
"“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"
This is a strong connection. Acts 6:4 states the apostles' intention to dedicate themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. The EGW passage echoes this principle by suggesting that ministers should not be overly burdened with selling publications, so they can focus on their primary calling of preaching and teaching.
"There is need of men of faith, who will not only preach, but will minister to the people. Men are needed who walk daily with God, who have a living connection with heaven, whose words have power to bring conviction to hearts. Not that they may make a display of their talents and intelligence, are ministers to labor, but that the truth may cut its way to the soul as an arrow from the Almighty. GW 33.1"
Both passages emphasize the importance of ministers dedicating themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. EGW expands on this by highlighting the need for men of faith who have a living connection with heaven.
"All these interests are important, but when they are attended to at a camp-meeting, but little opportunity remains for dealing with the practical relation of truth to the soul. Ministers are diverted from their work of building up the children of God in the most holy faith, and the camp-meeting does not meet the end for which it was appointed. GW 402.3"
The passage emphasizes the importance of ministers focusing on prayer and the ministry of the word, rather than being diverted by other matters.
Acts 6:5-15
"And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel."
Chapter 10—The First Christian Martyr This chapter is based on Acts 6:5-15 ; 7 . Stephen, the foremost of the seven deacons, was a man of deep piety and broad faith. Though a Jew by birth, he spoke the Greek language and was familiar with the customs and manners of the Greeks. He therefore found opportunity to preach the gospel in the synagogues of the Greek Jews. He was very active in the cause of Christ and boldly proclaimed his faith. Learned rabbis and doctors of the law engaged in public discussion with him, confidently expecting an easy victory. But “they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.” Not only did he speak in the power of the Holy Spirit, but it was plain that he was a student of the prophecies and learned in all matters of the law. He ably defended the truths that he advocated and utterly defeated his opponents. To him was the promise fulfilled, “Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: for I will gi…
Ellen White directly references Acts 6:5-15 in this passage.
Acts 6:7
"And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith."
The leaders at Jerusalem had sent out spies to find some pretext for putting Christ to death. He responded by giving them an evidence of His love for humanity, His respect for the law, and His power to deliver from sin and death. Thus He bore witness of them: “They have rewarded Me evil for good, and hatred for My love.” Psalm 109:5 . He who on the mount gave the precept, “Love your enemies,” Himself exemplified the principle, not rendering “evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing.” Matthew 5:44 ; 1 Peter 3:9 . DA 265.3 The same priests who condemned the leper to banishment certified his cure. This sentence, publicly pronounced and registered, was a standing testimony for Christ. And as the healed man was reinstated in the congregation of Israel, upon the priests’ own assurance that there was not a taint of the disease upon him, he himself was a living witness for his Benefactor. Joyfully he presented his offering, and magnified the name of Jesus. The priests w…
Ellen White directly references Acts 6:7 in this passage.
"Each succeeding decade had marked a doubling of church membership and employed laborers, and the beginning of new lines of endeavor. By the turn of the century the work had grown to world proportions. The statistical report for 1900 shows that literature was being issued in thirty-nine languages from thirteen publishing houses and branches. Five hundred ordained ministers, with a thousand other workers in various branches of denominational endeavor were serving 66,000 believers, holding membership in 1,892 churches. These were grouped in forty-five local conferences and forty-two local missions. In Australia and also in Europe the local conferences were newly knit together in Union Conference organizations. 7T 3.3"
Both passages describe a period of significant growth and expansion in the early church/denomination. The EGW passage provides specific details about the growth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, while Acts 6:7 describes the growth of the early Christian church. The parallel lies in the rapid increase in membership and the expansion of the work.
"By 1855, the year of issuance of the first Testimony Pamphlet, there were about a score of preachers of the Sabbath and Advent message. The number of believers had grown from less than one hundred to well into the second thousand. 1T 5.3"
Both passages describe the growth of a religious movement. The Acts passage speaks of the early church, while the EGW passage speaks of the early Seventh-day Adventist church. The parallel is in the numerical increase and spread of the message.
Acts 6:10
"And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake."
"The Death of Stephen Disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and many of the priests were obedient to the faith. Stephen, full of faith, was doing great wonders and miracles among the people. The Jewish leaders were stirred to greater anger as they saw priests turning from their traditions, and from the sacrifices and offerings, and accepting Jesus as the great sacrifice. With power from on high, Stephen reproved the unbelieving priests and elders, and exalted Jesus before them. They could not withstand the wisdom and power with which he spoke, and as they found that they could prevail nothing against him, they hired men to swear falsely that they had heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God. They stirred up the people and took Stephen, and, through false witnesses, accused him of speaking against the temple and the law. They testified that they had heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the customs which Moses gave them. EW 197"
EGW directly alludes to Acts 6:10, using similar wording to describe the inability of Stephen's opponents to resist his wisdom.
"The apostle presented his faith in a clear and convincing manner, with such simplicity and candor that his words had a powerful effect. His hearers were astonished at his wisdom and eloquence. But the more convincing his testimony, the deeper the hatred of those who opposed the truth. The emperor was filled with rage, and blasphemed the name of God and of Christ. He could not controvert the apostle's reasoning or match the power which attended the utterance of truth, and he determined to silence its faithful advocate. SL 71.1"
Both passages describe a situation where the wisdom and spirit of a Christian speaker are undeniable, yet the opposition intensifies as a result. The EGW passage describes John, while the Bible verse describes Stephen. The connection is strong.
"At the next interview, Luther presented a clear, concise, and forcible exposition of his views, fully supported by many quotations from Scripture. This paper, after reading aloud, he handed to the cardinal, who, however, cast it contemptuously aside, declaring it to be a mass of idle words and irrelevant quotations. Luther, fully aroused, now met the haughty prelate on his own ground—the traditions and teachings of the church—and utterly overthrew his assumptions. GC 136.3"
Both Stephen and Luther were able to present arguments that their opponents could not refute. The EGW passage highlights Luther's ability to overthrow the prelate's assumptions with Scripture, mirroring Stephen's wisdom and spirit in Acts 6:10.
"The only response was: “Retract, retract!” The Reformer showed that his position was sustained by the Scriptures and firmly declared that he could not renounce the truth. The legate, unable to reply to Luther's arguments, overwhelmed him with a storm of reproaches, gibes, and flattery, interspersed with quotations from tradition and the sayings of the Fathers, granting the Reformer no opportunity to speak. Seeing that the conference, thus continued, would be utterly futile, Luther finally obtained a reluctant permission to present his answer in writing. GC 136.1"
The EGW passage describes the legate's inability to refute Luther's arguments, similar to how the opponents of Stephen in Acts 6:10 were unable to resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spoke. Both passages highlight the power of truth and the inability of opponents to overcome it through reason.
The apostle spoke with earnestness and evident sincerity, and his words carried with them a weight of conviction. Claudius Lysias, in his letter to Felix, had borne a similar testimony in regard to Paul's conduct. Moreover, Felix himself had a better knowledge of the Jewish religion than many supposed. Paul's plain statement of the facts in the case enabled Felix to understand still more clearly the motives by which the Jews were governed in attempting to convict the apostle of sedition and treasonable conduct. The governor would not gratify them by unjustly condemning a Roman citizen, neither would he give him up to them to be put to death without a fair trial. Yet Felix knew no higher motive than self-interest, and he was controlled by love of praise and a desire for promotion. Fear of offending the Jews held him back from doing full justice to a man whom he knew to be innocent. He therefore decided to suspend the trial until Lysias should be present, saying, “When Lysias the chief c…
Both passages refer to the power and conviction with which someone spoke. In Acts 6:10, it's Stephen, and in AA 421.3, it's Paul. The thematic parallel is that their words had a weight of conviction that was difficult to resist.
Acts 6:12
"And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,"
"Not long after, we were notified to be present at a meeting to be held in the vestry of the church. There were but few present. The influence of my father and his family was such that our opposers had no desire to present our case before a larger number of the congregation. The single charge preferred was that we had walked contrary to their rules. Upon our asking what rules we had violated, it was stated, after a little hesitation, that we had attended other meetings, and had neglected to meet regularly with our class. We stated that a portion of the family had been in the country for some time past, that none who remained in the city had been absent from class meeting more than a few weeks, and they were morally compelled to remain away because the testimonies they bore met with such marked disapprobation. We also reminded them that certain persons who had not attended class meeting for a year were yet held in good standing. 1T 42.4"
Both passages describe situations where individuals are brought before a council or meeting due to their beliefs or actions. In the EGW passage, the author is summoned to a meeting to answer for violating church rules. In Acts 6:12, Stephen is brought before the council after being accused of blasphemy. The connection lies in the similar scenario of being brought before authorities due to opposition.
Acts 6:13
"And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:"
"John was accordingly summoned to Rome to be tried for his faith. Here before the authorities the apostle's doctrines were misstated. False witnesses accused him of teaching seditious heresies. By these accusations his enemies hoped to bring about the disciple's death. AA 569.3"
Both passages describe false accusations against religious figures. While not a direct quote, the theme of false witnesses is present in both.
Acts 6:15
"And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel."
As Stephen stood before his judges, the light of the glory of God rested upon his countenance. “And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” When called upon to answer to the charges brought against him, he began at Moses and the prophets and reviewed the history of the children of Israel and the dealings of God with them and showed how Christ had been foretold in prophecy. He referred to the history of the temple and declared that God dwelleth not in temples made with hands. The Jews worshiped the temple and were filled with greater indignation at anything spoken against that building than if it had been spoken against God. As Stephen spoke of Christ and referred to the temple, he saw that the people were rejecting his words; and he fearlessly rebuked them: “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost.” While they observed the outward ordinances of their religion, their hearts…
EGW directly quotes Acts 6:15.
"Many who that day looked upon him “saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” Acts 6:15 . AA 495.2"
Ellen White directly references Acts 6:15 in this passage.
During that long time spent in communion with God, the face of Moses had reflected the glory of the divine Presence; unknown to himself his face shone with a dazzling light when he descended from the mountain. Such a light illumined the countenance of Stephen when brought before his judges; “and all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” Acts 6:15 . Aaron as well as the people shrank away from Moses, and “they were afraid to come nigh him.” Seeing their confusion and terror, but ignorant of the cause, he urged them to come near. He held out to them the pledge of God's reconciliation, and assured them of His restored favor. They perceived in his voice nothing but love and entreaty, and at last one ventured to approach him. Too awed to speak, he silently pointed to the countenance of Moses, and then toward heaven. The great leader understood his meaning. In their conscious guilt, feeling themselves still under the divine di…
Ellen White directly references Acts 6:15 in this passage.
"The Saviour had spoken to Saul through Stephen, whose clear reasoning could not be controverted. The learned Jew had seen the face of the martyr reflecting the light of Christ's glory—appearing as if “it had been the face of an angel.” Acts 6:15 . He had witnessed Stephen's forbearance toward his enemies and his forgiveness of them. He had also witnessed the fortitude and cheerful resignation of many whom he had caused to be tormented and afflicted. He had seen some yield up even their lives with rejoicing for the sake of their faith. AA 116.2"
Ellen White directly references Acts 6:15 in this passage.
"The martyrdom of Stephen made a deep impression upon all who witnessed it. The memory of the signet of God upon his face; his words, which touched the very souls of those who heard them, remained in the minds of the beholders, and testified to the truth of that which he had proclaimed. His death was a sore trial to the church, but it resulted in the conviction of Saul, who could not efface from his memory the faith and constancy of the martyr, and the glory that had rested on his countenance. AA 101.3"
Both passages refer to the appearance of Stephen's face, reflecting God's presence. EGW elaborates on the impression this made, which is thematically linked to the biblical account.
"In simple faith he accepted the words of Jesus as the boon of new life. He urged no further request, but lay in blissful silence, too happy for words. The light of heaven irradiated his countenance, and the people looked with awe upon the scene. DA 268.4"
Both passages describe a person's face radiating light after an encounter with divine power. While not a direct quote, the thematic similarity is strong.
"while their countenances were all aglow with happiness and holy joy. LS 215.1"
Both passages describe individuals whose faces reflect an inner spiritual state of joy and holiness. While not a direct quote, the imagery is similar.