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
Mark 5:1-20
"And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel."
"Chapter 35—“Peace, Be Still” This chapter is based on Matthew 8:23-34 ; Mark 4:35-41 ; Mark 5:1-20 ; Luke 8:22-39 . It had been an eventful day in the life of Jesus. Beside the Sea of Galilee He had spoken His first parables, by familiar illustrations again explaining to the people the nature of His kingdom and the manner in which it was to be established. He had likened His own work to that of the sower; the development of His kingdom to the growth of the mustard seed and the effect of leaven in the measure of meal. The great final separation of the righteous and the wicked He had pictured in the parables of the wheat and tares and the fishing net. The exceeding preciousness of the truths He taught had been illustrated by the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price, while in the parable of the householder He taught His disciples how they were to labor as His representatives. DA 333"
Ellen White directly references Mark 5:1-20 in this passage.
"that with which He was dealing, and He recognized the direct presence and agency of evil spirits. GC 514.1"
The EGW passage directly refers to Christ's interaction with evil spirits, which is exemplified in Mark 5:1-20. The Bible verse provides a specific instance of Christ dealing with demonic possession, supporting EGW's statement.
Mark 5:4
"Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him."
"The disciples and their companions flee in terror; but presently they notice that Jesus is not with them, and they turn to look for Him. He is standing where they left Him. He who stilled the tempest, who has before met Satan and conquered him, does not flee before these demons. When the men, gnashing their teeth and foaming at the mouth, approach Him, Jesus raises that hand which has beckoned the waves to rest, and the men can come no nearer. They stand before Him, raging but helpless. MH 95.2"
Both passages describe a demon-possessed man and Jesus' power over him. While Mark 5:4 focuses on the man's uncontrollable strength, the EGW passage describes Jesus' ability to restrain the demons, drawing from the same narrative context.
Mark 5:7
"And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not."
"With authority He bade the unclean spirits come out of them. His words penetrated the darkened minds of the unfortunate men. They realized dimly that One was near who could save them from the tormenting demons. They fell at the Saviour's feet to worship Him; but when their lips were opened to entreat His mercy, the demons spoke through them, crying vehemently, “What have I to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God most high? I beseech Thee, torment me not.” DA 337.3"
The EGW passage directly quotes and elaborates on the words spoken by the demons in Mark 5:7. The phrase "What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech Thee, torment me not" is nearly identical.
Mark 5:9
"And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many."
"A striking example of their number, power, and malignity, and also of the power and mercy of Christ, is given in the Scripture account of the healing of the demoniacs at Gadara. Those wretched maniacs, spurning all restraint, writhing, foaming, raging, were filling the air with their cries, doing violence to themselves, and endangering all who should approach them. Their bleeding and disfigured bodies and distracted minds presented a spectacle well pleasing to the prince of darkness. One of the demons controlling the sufferers declared: “My name is Legion: for we are many.” Mark 5:9 . In the Roman army a legion consisted of from three to five thousand men. Satan's hosts also are marshaled in companies, and the single company to which these demons belonged numbered no less than a legion. GC 514.2"
Ellen White directly references Mark 5:9 in this passage.
Mark 5:13
"And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea."
"Over the winds and the waves, and over men possessed of demons, Christ showed that He had absolute control. He who stilled the tempest and calmed the troubled sea spoke peace to minds distracted and overborne by Satan. MH 91.1"
The EGW passage directly references and expands upon the biblical account of Jesus calming the storm and casting out demons, demonstrating His power over both nature and spiritual forces. The Mark 5:13 verse is part of the larger narrative of Jesus casting out demons, which is the core of the thematic parallel.
Mark 5:15
"And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid."
"From the cliff the keepers of the swine had seen all that had occurred, and they hurried away to publish the news to their employers and to all the people. In fear and amazement the whole population flocked to meet Jesus. The two demoniacs had been the terror of the country. No one had been safe to pass the place where they were; for they would rush upon every traveler with the fury of demons. Now these men were clothed and in their right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His words, and glorifying the name of Him who had made them whole. But the people who beheld this wonderful scene did not rejoice. The loss of the swine seemed to them of greater moment than the deliverance of these captives of Satan. DA 338.3"
The EGW passage directly recounts the event described in Mark 5:15, including the detail of the demoniac sitting, clothed, and in his right mind. This is a clear and direct allusion.
"Meanwhile a marvelous change had come over the demoniacs. Light had shone into their minds. Their eyes beamed with intelligence. The countenances, so long deformed into the image of Satan, became suddenly mild, the bloodstained hands were quiet, and with glad voices the men praised God for their deliverance. DA 338.2"
Both passages describe the dramatic change in the demoniacs after their encounter with Jesus. The KJV passage mentions the man being in his right mind, while EGW elaborates on the visible changes in their demeanor and their praise to God.
"Over the winds and the waves, and over men possessed of demons, Christ showed that He had absolute control. He who stilled the tempest and calmed the troubled sea spoke peace to minds distracted and overborne by Satan. MH 91.1"
The EGW passage refers to Christ's control over men possessed by demons, which is exemplified in Mark 5:15 where a demon-possessed man is healed and found in his right mind. The connection is clear and direct.
Mark 5:19
"Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee."
"Here is a work for them to do—to go to a heathen home and tell of the blessings they have received from Jesus. It is hard for them to be separated from the Saviour. Great difficulties will beset them in association with their heathen countrymen. And their long isolation from society seems to have disqualified them for this work. But as soon as He points out their duty, they are ready to obey. MH 98.2"
The EGW passage elaborates on the principle found in Mark 5:19, where Jesus instructs the healed man to return home and share his experience. EGW emphasizes the challenges and significance of this mission.
"In causing the destruction of the swine, it was Satan's purpose to turn the people away from the Saviour, and prevent the preaching of the gospel in that region. But this very occurrence roused the whole country as nothing else could have done, and directed attention to Christ. Though the Saviour Himself departed, the men whom He had healed remained as witnesses to His power. Those who had been mediums of the prince of darkness became channels of light, messengers of the Son of God. Men marveled as they listened to the wondrous news. A door was opened to the gospel throughout that region. When Jesus returned to Decapolis, the people flocked about Him, and for three days, not merely the inhabitants of one town, but thousands from all the surrounding region, heard the message of salvation. Even the power of demons is under the control of our Saviour, and the working of evil is overruled for good. DA 340.3"
EGW's passage directly alludes to Mark 5:19, where Jesus instructs the healed man to go home and tell his friends what the Lord has done for him. EGW expands on this idea, explaining how the healed men became witnesses to Jesus' power and opened the door for the gospel in the region.
"And souls that have been degraded into instruments of Satan are still through the power of Christ transformed into messengers of righteousness, and sent forth by the Son of God to tell what “great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” DA 341.2"
The EGW passage directly quotes Mark 5:19, making it an explicit allusion.
Mark 5:23
"And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live."
"Christ was on His way to the home of Jairus, the Jewish rabbi who had entreated Him to come and heal his daughter. The heartbroken petition, “My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray Thee, come and lay Thy hands on her, that she may be healed” ( Mark 5:23 ), had touched the tender, sympathetic heart of Christ, and He at once set out with the ruler for his home. MH 59.2"
The EGW passage directly quotes Mark 5:23 and uses it to set the scene for the story of Jairus' daughter.
Mark 5:24
"And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him."
Page 435. A threefold message.— Revelation 14:6, 7 foretells the proclamation of the first angel's message. Then the prophet continues: “There followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen.... and the third angel followed them.” The word here rendered “followed” means “to go along with,” “to follow one,” “go with him.” See Henry George Liddell and Robert Scott, Greek English Lexicon (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1940), Vol. 1, p. 52. It also means “to accompany.” see George Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (Edinburgh: T. and T. Clark, 1950), page 17. It is the same word that is used in Mark 5:24 , “Jesus went with him; and much people followed Him, and thronged Him.” It is also used of the redeemed one hundred and forty-four thousand, Revelation 14:4 , where it is said, “these are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.” In both these places it is evident that the idea intended to be conveyed is that of “going together,” “in company with.”…
Ellen White directly references Mark 5:24 in this passage.
"The ruler's house was not far distant, but Jesus and His companions advanced slowly, for the crowd pressed Him on every side. The anxious father was impatient of delay; but Jesus, pitying the people, stopped now and then to relieve some suffering one, or to comfort a troubled heart. DA 342.4"
Both passages describe Jesus being thronged by a crowd while on his way to the ruler's house. The EGW passage adds details about Jesus stopping to help others, but the core idea of the crowd hindering his progress is present in both.
"Jesus set out at once with the ruler for his home. Though the disciples had seen so many of His works of mercy, they were surprised at His compliance with the entreaty of the haughty rabbi; yet they accompanied their Master, and the people followed, eager and expectant. DA 342.3"
Both passages describe Jesus going with the ruler and being followed by a large crowd. The EGW passage elaborates on the disciples' surprise and the people's eagerness, but the core idea of Jesus being followed is present in both.
Mark 5:25-26
"And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,"
"On the way to the ruler's house, Jesus had met, in the crowd, a poor woman who for twelve years had suffered from a disease that made her life a burden. She had spent all her means upon physicians and remedies, only to be pronounced incurable. But her hopes revived when she heard of the cures that Christ performed. She felt assured that if she could only go to Him she would be healed. In weakness and suffering she came to the seaside where He was teaching, and tried to press through the crowd, but in vain. Again she followed Him from the house of Levi-Matthew, but was still unable to reach Him. She had begun to despair, when, in making His way through the multitude, He came near where she was. DA 343.4"
The EGW passage directly retells the story of the woman with the issue of blood, mirroring details from Mark 5:25-26, including the twelve-year duration of her illness and her unsuccessful attempts to find a cure.
Mark 5:27
"When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment."
"As He was passing, she reached forward and succeeded in barely touching the border of His garment. That moment she knew that she was healed. In that one touch was concentrated the faith of her life, and instantly her pain and feebleness disappeared. Instantly she felt the thrill as of an electric current passing through every fiber of her being. There came over her a sensation of perfect health. “She felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.” Verse 29 . MH 60.2"
Both passages describe the woman with the issue of blood touching the hem of Jesus' garment. The EGW passage expands on the immediate healing and the sensation she felt, drawing directly from the biblical narrative.
Mark 5:30
"And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?"
"“Somebody hath touched Me,” Jesus said; “for I perceive that virtue is gone out of Me.” Verse 46 . He could distinguish the touch of faith from the casual touch of the careless throng. Someone had touched Him with a deep purpose and had received answer. MH 60.5"
The EGW passage directly quotes and references the event described in Mark 5:30, making it an explicit allusion. The context and wording are nearly identical.
"With a grateful heart she then tried to withdraw from the crowd; but suddenly Jesus stopped, and the people halted with Him. He turned, and looking about asked in a voice distinctly heard above the confusion of the multitude, “Who touched Me?” The people answered this query with a look of amazement. Jostled upon all sides, and rudely pressed hither and thither, as He was, it seemed a strange inquiry. DA 344.1"
Both passages describe the event where Jesus asks who touched him in a crowd, highlighting the distinction between casual contact and a touch of faith. The details are very similar.
Mark 5:33
"But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth."
"The grateful woman desired to express her thanks to the Mighty Healer, who had done more for her in one touch than the physicians had done in twelve long years; but she dared not. With a grateful heart she tried to withdraw from the crowd. Suddenly Jesus stopped, and looking round He asked, “Who touched Me?” MH 60.3"
The EGW passage retells the story in Mark 5:33, amplifying the woman's feelings and motivations. While not a direct quote, it clearly draws from and expands upon the biblical narrative.
Mark 5:34
"And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague."
"Looking toward the woman, Jesus insisted on knowing who had touched Him. Finding concealment vain, she came forward tremblingly, and cast herself at His feet. With grateful tears she told the story of her suffering, and how she had found relief. Jesus gently said, “Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.” He gave no opportunity for superstition to claim healing virtue for the mere act of touching His garments. It was not through the outward contact with Him, but through the faith which took hold on His divine power, that the cure was wrought. DA 344.3"
The EGW passage is a clear retelling and interpretation of the event described in Mark 5:34, including the direct quote 'Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.'
"Brother and Sister Nichols, of Dorchester, Mass., had heard of my affliction, and their son Henry came to Gorham, bringing things for my comfort. During his visit, my friends again united in prayer for my recovery. After others had prayed, Brother Henry Nichols began to pray most fervently; and with the power of God resting upon him, he arose from his knees, came across the room, and laid his hands upon my head, saying, “Sister Ellen, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole,” and fell back, prostrated by the power of God. I believed that the work was of God, and the pain left me. My soul was filled with gratitude and peace. The language of my heart was: “There is no help for us but in God. We can be in peace only as we rest in Him and wait for His salvation.” LS 98.3"
The phrase "Jesus Christ maketh thee whole" directly echoes Jesus' healing ministry in the Gospels. The context of prayer, faith, and healing further strengthens the connection. Thematic parallel is appropriate, but the confidence is increased due to the direct quote.
"“And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way.” PK 250.3"
The phrase 'Go in peace' is similar to Jesus's words of assurance and blessing after healing, signifying wholeness and divine favor.
"Lord has healed me.” He was very weak, but the disease made no further progress. Yet he gained no strength. Our faith was still to be tried. For three days he ate nothing. LS 144.1"
Both passages connect faith with healing. While the specifics differ, the underlying principle of faith playing a role in recovery is present in both.
Mark 5:36
"As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe."
"While they were still on the way, a messenger pressed through the crowd, bearing to Jairus the news that his daughter was dead, and it was useless to trouble the Master further. The word caught the ear of Jesus. “Fear not,” He said; “believe only, and she shall be made whole.” DA 342.5"
The EGW passage directly quotes and references the core message of Mark 5:36, making it a clear and explicit allusion.
Mark 5:39
"And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth."
"He only wished to look upon the dead, Martha objected, saying that the body had been buried four days, and corruption had already begun its work. This statement, made before the raising of Lazarus, left no room for Christ's enemies to say that a deception had been practiced. In the past the Pharisees had circulated false statements regarding the most wonderful manifestations of the power of God. When Christ raised to life the daughter of Jairus, He had said, “The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.” Mark 5:39 . As she had been sick only a short time, and was raised immediately after death, the Pharisees declared that the child had not been dead; that Christ Himself had said she was only asleep. They had tried to make it appear that Christ could not cure disease, that there was foul play about His miracles. But in this case, none could deny that Lazarus was dead. DA 534.3"
Ellen White directly references Mark 5:39 in this passage.
"Jairus pressed closer to the Saviour, and together they hurried to the ruler's home. Already the hired mourners and flute players were there, filling the air with their clamor. The presence of the crowd, and the tumult jarred upon the spirit of Jesus. He tried to silence them, saying, “Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.” They were indignant at the words of the Stranger. They had seen the child in the embrace of death, and they laughed Him to scorn. Requiring them all to leave the house, Jesus took with Him the father and mother of the maiden, and the three disciples, Peter, James, and John, and together they entered the chamber of death. DA 343.1"
The EGW passage directly quotes and references the core message of Mark 5:39, making it a clear and explicit allusion.
Mark 5:41
"And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise."
"Jesus approached the bedside, and, taking the child's hand in His own, He pronounced softly, in the familiar language of her home, the words, “Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.” DA 343.2"
EGW directly quotes and references the words spoken by Jesus in Mark 5:41, making this an explicit allusion.
"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 healing where someone is taken by the hand and told to arise. The similarity in action and result makes this a strong thematic parallel.
Mark 5:42
"And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment."
"Instantly a tremor passed through the unconscious form. The pulses of life beat again. The lips unclosed with a smile. The eyes opened widely as if from sleep, and the maiden gazed with wonder on the group beside her. She arose, and her parents clasped her in their arms, and wept for joy. DA 343.3"
The EGW passage recounts the same event as Mark 5:42, using similar language to describe the girl's resurrection.