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
Philippians 1:2
"Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."
"“Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all.... And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” AA 480.1"
The EGW passage directly quotes Philippians 1:2.
Philippians 1:3
"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,"
"“Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all.... And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” AA 480.1"
The EGW passage directly quotes Philippians 1:3, making it an explicit allusion.
Philippians 1:3-5
"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;"
"you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart.” “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.” “Now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.” Verse 16 , A.R.V.; Philippians 1:3-5 ; 1:6, 7 , A.R.V.; 4:1 ; 1 Thessalonians 3:8 . MH 167.1"
Ellen White directly references Philippians 1:3-5 in this passage.
Philippians 1:6
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"
"you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart.” “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.” “Now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.” Verse 16 , A.R.V.; Philippians 1:3-5 ; 1:6, 7 , A.R.V.; 4:1 ; 1 Thessalonians 3:8 . MH 167.1"
The EGW passage directly quotes Philippians 1:6, making it an explicit allusion.
"“Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all.... And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” AA 480.1"
The EGW passage directly quotes Philippians 1:6, making it an explicit allusion.
"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.... Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; and in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake. Philippians 1:6, 27-29 . EW 26.1"
The EGW passage directly quotes Philippians 1:6. The provided Bible verse is Philippians 1:6. The EGW passage is using the Bible verse to support her point.
Philippians 1:9-11
"And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."
"“This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11 . 8T 43.1"
Ellen White directly references Philippians 1:9-11 in this passage.
Philippians 1:12
"But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;"
"The grace of God sustained Paul in his imprisonment, enabling him to rejoice in tribulation. With faith and assurance he wrote to his Philippian brethren that his imprisonment had resulted in the furtherance of the gospel. “I would ye should understand, brethren,” he declared, “that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; so that my bonds with Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; and many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” AA 480.2"
The EGW passage directly quotes Philippians 1:12.
"Yet in this case, as in so many others, was proved the truth of Paul's assertion that the weapons of his warfare were “mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds,” 2 Corinthians 10:4 . Even in Nero's household, trophies of the cross were won. From the vile attendants of a viler king were gained converts who became sons of God. These were not Christians secretly, but openly. They were not ashamed of their faith. AA 463.1 And by what means was an entrance achieved and a firm footing gained for Christianity where even its admission seemed impossible? In his epistle to the Philippians, Paul ascribed to his own imprisonment his success in winning converts to the faith from Nero's household. Fearful lest it might be thought that his afflictions had impeded the progress of the gospel, he assured them: “I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.” Philippians 1:12 . AA 463.2"
Ellen White directly references Philippians 1:12 in this passage.
"As in apostolic days, persecution had “fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.” Philippians 1:12 . Driven from Paris and Meaux, “they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.” Acts 8:4 . And thus the light found its way into many of the remote provinces of France. GC 219.2"
Ellen White directly references Philippians 1:12 in this passage.
"So the imprisonment of Paul brought the gospel before kings, princes, and rulers who otherwise would not have had this light. The efforts made to retard the progress of truth will serve to extend it. The excellence of truth is more clearly seen from every successive point from which it may be viewed. Error requires disguise and concealment. It clothes itself in angel robes, and every manifestation of its real character lessens its chance of success. 5T 453.4"
The EGW passage draws a parallel between Paul's imprisonment leading to the spread of the gospel and the idea that attempts to suppress truth can actually further it. This aligns with the sentiment expressed in Philippians 1:12, where Paul states that his circumstances have actually advanced the gospel.
Philippians 1:13
"So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;"
"No such opportunities were now granted the apostle, confined as he was to his own dwelling, and able to proclaim the truth to those only who sought him there. He had not, like Moses and Aaron, a divine command to go before the profligate king and in the name of the great I AM rebuke his cruelty and oppression. Yet it was at this very time, when its chief advocate was apparently cut off from public labor, that a great victory was won for the gospel; for from the very household of the king, members were added to the church. AA 462.2"
Both passages discuss the impact of Paul's ministry even while imprisoned. Philippians 1:13 mentions his bonds being manifest in the palace, while the EGW passage describes conversions within the king's household. The thematic parallel lies in the gospel's reach despite Paul's confinement.
Philippians 1:14
"And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear."
"Not by Paul's sermons, but by his bonds, was the attention of the court attracted to Christianity. It was as a captive that he broke from so many souls the bonds that held them in the slavery of sin. Nor was this all. He declared: “Many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” Philippians 1:14 . AA 464.1"
The EGW passage directly quotes Philippians 1:14, making it a clear and explicit allusion.
Philippians 1:15-18
"Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."
gospel. The light of heaven that glorified his face, the divine compassion breathed in his dying prayer, were as a sharp arrow of conviction to the bigoted Sanhedrist who stood by, and Saul, the persecuting Pharisee, became a chosen vessel to bear the name of Christ before Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. And long afterward Paul the aged wrote from his prison house at Rome: “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife: ... not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds.... Notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached.” Philippians 1:15-18 . Through Paul's imprisonment the gospel was spread abroad, and souls were won for Christ in the very palace of the Caesars. By the efforts of Satan to destroy it, the “incorruptible” seed of the word of God, “which liveth and abideth forever” ( 1 Peter 1:23 ), is sown in the hearts of men; through the reproach and persecution of His children the name of Christ is magnified and souls are …
Ellen White directly references Philippians 1:15-18 in this passage.
Philippians 1:18
"What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."
"It was this joy that filled the hearts of Paul and Silas when they prayed and sang praises to God at midnight in the Philippian dungeon. Christ was beside them there, and the light of His presence irradiated the gloom with the glory of the courts above. From Rome, Paul wrote, unmindful of his fetters as he saw the spread of the gospel, “I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.” Philippians 1:18 . And the very words of Christ upon the mount are re-echoed in Paul's message to the Philippian church, in the midst of their persecutions, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4 . MB 35.1"
Ellen White directly references Philippians 1:18 in this passage.
Philippians 1:20
"According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death."
"“I had another wakeful season last night, and feel poorly today. Pray that whatever is God's will may be accomplished in and through me, whether it be by my life or death. 1T 674.1"
Both passages express a willingness to accept God's will, whether it leads to life or death. The EGW passage states, 'Pray that whatever is God's will may be accomplished in and through me, whether it be by my life or death,' while Philippians 1:20 speaks of Christ being magnified in the body, 'whether it be by life, or by death.' The connection is thematic, focusing on submission to God's plan.
Philippians 1:21
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
"Throughout his later ministry, Paul never lost sight of the Source of his wisdom and strength. Hear him, years afterward, still declaring, “For to me to live is Christ.” Philippians 1:21 . And again: “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, ... that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings.” Philippians 3:8-10 . AA 128.1"
Ellen White directly references Philippians 1:21 in this passage.
"The one who stands nearest to Christ will be he who on earth has drunk most deeply of the spirit of His self- sacrificing love,—love that “vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, ... seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil” ( 1 Corinthians 13:4, 5 ),—love that moves the disciple, as it moved our Lord, to give all, to live and labor and sacrifice, even unto death, for the saving of humanity. This spirit was made manifest in the life of Paul. He said, “For to me to live is Christ;” for his life revealed Christ to men; “and to die is gain,”—gain to Christ; death itself would make manifest the power of His grace, and gather souls to Him. “Christ shall be magnified in my body,” he said, “whether it be by life or by death.” Philippians 1:21, 20 . DA 549.3"
The EGW passage directly quotes Philippians 1:21 and uses it as a central point in her argument about self-sacrificing love. The connection is direct and meaningful.
"If it were true that the souls of all men passed directly to heaven at the hour of dissolution, then we might well covet death rather than life. Many have been led by this belief to put an end to their existence. When overwhelmed with trouble, perplexity, and disappointment, it seems an easy thing to break the brittle thread of life and soar away into the bliss of the eternal world. GC 539.2"
EGW discusses the false belief that death leads immediately to bliss, which can lead to suicide. This contrasts with Paul's perspective in Philippians 1:21, where death is seen as gain because it means being with Christ. The connection lies in the contrasting views of death.
"Perhaps the Lord will not have need of me longer, and will let me rest in the grave. I hope to be free from the paper. I have stood by it in extreme adversity; and now when its friends are many, I feel free to leave it, if some one can be found who will take it. I hope my way will be made clear. May the Lord direct.” LS 141.3"
The EGW passage expresses a willingness to be released from earthly duties and potentially die, trusting in God's will. This echoes the sentiment in Philippians 1:21, where Paul states that to live is Christ and to die is gain, reflecting a perspective where death is viewed as a positive outcome.
"To join with the triumphant saints That sing Jehovah's praise. My knowledge of that state is small, My eye of faith is dim; But ‘tis enough that Christ knows all, And I shall be with Him. Baxter . 1T 673.3"
Both passages touch on the idea of being with Christ, whether in life or death. The EGW passage expresses the sentiment that 'tis enough that Christ knows all, and I shall be with Him,' while Philippians 1:21 states, 'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' The connection lies in the desire for union with Christ.
"The friends of Luther were terrified and distressed. Knowing the prejudice and enmity against him, they feared that even his safe-conduct would not be respected, and they entreated him not to imperil his life. He replied: “The papists do not desire my coming to Worms, but my condemnation and my death. It matters not. Pray not for me, but for the word of God.... Christ will give me His Spirit to overcome these ministers of error. I despise them during my life; I shall triumph over them by my death. They are busy at Worms about compelling me to retract; and this shall be my retraction: I said formerly that the pope was Christ's vicar; now I assert that he is our Lord's adversary, and the devil's apostle.”— Ibid., b. 7, ch. 6. GC 150.5"
Both passages reflect a willingness to face death for one's beliefs. Luther's statement, as quoted by EGW, echoes the sentiment in Philippians 1:21, where Paul expresses that 'to die is gain.' Both figures prioritize their faith and mission above their own lives.
"He then inquired if I would not rather die peacefully upon my bed than to pass through the pain of being changed, while living, from mortality to immortality. My answer was that I wished for Jesus to come and take His children; that I was willing to live or die as God willed, and could easily endure all the pain that could be borne in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye; that I desired the wheels of time to roll swiftly round, and bring the welcome day when these vile bodies should be changed, and fashioned like unto Christ's most glorious body. I also stated that when I lived nearest to the Lord, then I most earnestly longed for His appearing. Here some present seemed to be greatly displeased. 1T 36.1"
Both passages express a willingness to live or die according to God's will, with a focus on Christ. While not a direct quote, the sentiment aligns with Paul's statement in Philippians 1:21.
Philippians 1:23
"For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:"
"Referring to the prospect of death, she declared: “I feel, the sooner the better; all the time that is how I feel —the sooner the better. I have not a discouraging thought, nor sadness.... I have nothing to complain of. Let the Lord take His way and do His work with me, so that I am refined and purified; and that is all I desire. I know my work is done; it is of no use to say anything else. I shall rejoice, when my time comes, that I am permitted to lie down to rest in peace. I have no desire that my life shall be prolonged.” LS 444.1"
Both passages express a desire to depart this life and be with God. Paul's statement in Philippians 1:23 directly states this desire, while EGW's statement expresses a similar sentiment of welcoming death and anticipating rest.
"“I do not worry about the work I have done. I have done the best I could. I do not think that I shall be lingering long. I do not expect much suffering. I am thankful that we have the comforts of life in time of sickness. Do not worry. I go only a little before the others.” LS 445.1"
Both passages express a desire to depart this life. EGW's statement "I do not think that I shall be lingering long" and "I go only a little before the others" aligns with Paul's desire to depart and be with Christ.
Philippians 1:27
"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;"
"The offices of publication should be set in order. Those who labor in these institutions should have high aims and a deep and rich experience in the knowledge of God's will. They should ever stand on the side of right and exert a saving influence. Every soul who names the name of Christ should make the most of the privileges enjoyed and faithfully perform the duties assigned him, without murmuring or complaining. The conversation of each should be of an elevated character, calculated to lead other minds in the right channel. The little mention that is made of divine goodness and the love of God shows marked ingratitude and that Christ is not enshrined in the heart. 4T 456.1"
Both passages emphasize the importance of conduct and conversation reflecting one's faith and leading others towards righteousness.
"should be holy, the manners comely, the words without guile, and thus should we follow on step by step until we are fitted for translation. 1T 216.1"
Both passages discuss living a life that reflects Christian values and conduct. Philippians 1:27 speaks of 'conversation' (conduct) befitting the gospel, while EGW speaks of holy manners and words without guile, leading to fitness for translation. The connection is more than superficial.
Philippians 1:27-29
"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;"
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Ph…
Ellen White directly references Philippians 1:27-29 in this passage.
Philippians 1:29
"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;"
"That this church did not escape persecution is shown by an expression in Paul's letter to them. He says, “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake; having the same conflict which ye saw in me.” Yet such was their steadfastness in the faith that he declares, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:29, 30, 3-5 . AA 218.4"
The EGW passage directly quotes Philippians 1:29 and references the surrounding verses, making a clear and undeniable connection.
"God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Philippians 1:29 . And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor. DA 224.5"
Ellen White directly references Philippians 1:29 in this passage.
"Of all the gifts that heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Philippians 1:29 . MH 478.2"
Ellen White directly references Philippians 1:29 in this passage.
Jesus did not interpose to deliver His servant. He knew that John would bear the test. Gladly would the Saviour have come to John, to brighten the dungeon gloom with His own presence. But He was not to place Himself in the hands of enemies and imperil His own mission. Gladly would He have delivered His faithful servant. But for the sake of thousands who in after years must pass from prison to death, John was to drink the cup of martyrdom. As the followers of Jesus should languish in lonely cells, or perish by the sword, the rack, or the fagot, apparently forsaken by God and man, what a stay to their hearts would be the thought that John the Baptist, to whose faithfulness Christ Himself had borne witness, had passed through a similar experience! DA 224.2 Satan was permitted to cut short the earthly life of God's messenger; but that life which “is hid with Christ in God,” the destroyer could not reach. Colossians 3:3 . He exulted that he had brought sorrow upon Christ, but he had failed …
The EGW passage directly discusses suffering for Christ's sake, echoing the sentiment in Philippians 1:29. The context of John the Baptist's martyrdom provides a concrete example of this principle.
"And at the close of his experience of labor and sacrifice, the disciple once so unready to discern the cross, counted it a joy to yield up his life for the gospel, feeling only that, for him who had denied the Lord, to die in the same manner as his Master died was too great an honor. Ed 90.6"
The EGW passage describes Peter's willingness to sacrifice his life for the gospel, which aligns with the theme of Philippians 1:29, which speaks of suffering for Christ's sake. The connection is thematic and highlights the privilege of suffering for Christ.
Some of the servants of God have given up their lives to spend and be spent for the cause of God, until their constitutions are broken down, and they are almost worn out with mental labor, incessant care, toil, and privations. Others have not had and would not take the burden upon them. Yet just such ones think they have a hard time, because they have never experienced hardships. They never have been baptized into the suffering part, and never will be as long as they manifest so much weakness and so little fortitude, and love their ease so well. From what God has shown me, there needs to be a scourging among the ministers, that the slothful, dilatory, and self-caring ones may be scourged out, and there remain a pure, faithful, and self-sacrificing company who will not study their ease, but will minister faithfully in word and doctrine, willing to suffer and endure all things for Christ's sake, and to save those for whom He died. Let these servants feel the woe upon them if they preach …
Both passages connect belief in Christ with the willingness to suffer for His sake. The EGW passage speaks of ministers who are 'willing to suffer and endure all things for Christ's sake,' while Philippians 1:29 states that it is given to believers not only to believe but also to suffer for Christ. The connection is thematic, highlighting the cost of discipleship.