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
Romans 15:1
"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves."
Love Among Brethren The characteristics most needful to be cherished by God's commandment-keeping people are patience and long-suffering, peace and love. When love is lacking, irretrievable loss is sustained; for souls are driven away from the truth, even after they have been connected with the cause of God. Our brethren in responsible positions, who have strength of influence, should remember the words of the apostle Paul, spoken by the Holy Spirit: “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached Thee fell on Me.” Romans 15:1-3 . Again he says: “Brethren, if a man be over taken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” …
EGW directly quotes Romans 15:1 to support her point about bearing the infirmities of the weak.
"“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Romans 15:1 . No soul who believes in Christ, though his faith may be weak, and his steps wavering as those of a little child, is to be lightly esteemed. By all that has given us advantage over another,—be it education and refinement, nobility of character, Christian training, religious experience,—we are in debt to those less favored; and, so far as lies in our power, we are to minister unto them. If we are strong, we are to stay up the hands of the weak. Angels of glory, that do always behold the face of the Father in heaven, joy in ministering to His little ones. Trembling souls, who have many objectionable traits of character, are their special charge. Angels are ever present where they are most needed, with those who have the hardest battle with self to fight, and whose surroundings are the most discouraging. And in this ministry Christ's true followers will co-operate. DA 440.1"
Ellen White directly references Romans 15:1 in this passage.
"Consideration for Burden Bearers Many have borne so few burdens, their hearts have known so little real anguish, they have felt so little perplexity and distress in behalf of others, that they cannot understand the work of the true burden bearer. No more capable are they of appreciating his burdens than is the child of understanding the care and toil of his burdened father. The child may wonder at his father's fears and perplexities. These appear needless to him. But when years of experience shall have been added to his life, when he himself comes to bear its burdens, he will look back upon his father's life and understand that which was once so incomprehensible. Bitter experience has given him knowledge. MH 483"
Both passages emphasize the responsibility of the strong to support the weak. Romans 15:1 explicitly states this, while the EGW passage discusses understanding and consideration for those who bear burdens, implying a similar responsibility.
Romans 15:1-3
"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me."
Love Among Brethren The characteristics most needful to be cherished by God's commandment-keeping people are patience and long-suffering, peace and love. When love is lacking, irretrievable loss is sustained; for souls are driven away from the truth, even after they have been connected with the cause of God. Our brethren in responsible positions, who have strength of influence, should remember the words of the apostle Paul, spoken by the Holy Spirit: “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached Thee fell on Me.” Romans 15:1-3 . Again he says: “Brethren, if a man be over taken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” …
Ellen White directly references Romans 15:1-3 in this passage.
"The apostle counsels his Corinthian brethren: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 . “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.” 1 Corinthians 9:19 . “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak. I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” Verse 22 . “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached Thee fell on Me.” Romans 15:1-3 . 2T 673.4"
Ellen White directly references Romans 15:1-3 in this passage.
Romans 15:4
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."
"“As I was fully convinced,” says Miller, “that all Scripture given by inspiration of God is profitable ( 2 Timothy 3:16 ); that it came not at any time by the will of man, but was written as holy men were moved by the Holy Ghost ( 2 Peter 1:21 ), and was written ‘for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope’ ( Romans 15:4 ), I could but regard the chronological portions of the Bible as being as much a portion of the word of God, and as much entitled to our serious consideration, as any other portion of the Scriptures. I therefore felt that in endeavoring to comprehend what God had in His mercy seen fit to reveal to us, I had no right to pass over the prophetic periods.”—Bliss, page 75. GC 324.2"
Ellen White directly references Romans 15:4 in this passage.
The pen of inspiration, true to its task, tells us of the sins that overcame Noah, Lot, Moses, Abraham, David, and Solomon, and that even Elijah's strong spirit sank under temptation during his fearful trial. Jonah's disobedience and Israel's idolatry are faithfully recorded. Peter's denial of Christ, the sharp contention of Paul and Barnabas, the failings and infirmities of the prophets and apostles, are all laid bare by the Holy Ghost, who lifts the veil from the human heart. There before us lie the lives of the believers, with all their faults and follies, which are intended as a lesson to all the generations following them. If they had been without foible they would have been more than human, and our sinful natures would despair of ever reaching such a point of excellence. But seeing where they struggled and fell, where they took heart again and conquered through the grace of God, we are encouraged, and led to press over the obstacles that degenerate nature places in our way. 4T 12…
Both passages discuss the value of learning from past examples, particularly from the mistakes and experiences of those who came before. Romans 15:4 speaks generally about the purpose of scripture, while the EGW passage gives specific examples of biblical figures and their failings as lessons for us.
"Illustrations “Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning.” Chapter 5—The Education of Israel Ed 33 “The Lord alone did lead him; ” “He instructed Him, He kept Him as the apple of His eye.” The system of education established in Eden centered in the family. Adam was “the son of God” ( Luke 3:38 ), and it was from their Father that the children of the Highest received instruction. Theirs, in the truest sense, was a family school. Ed 31"
EGW directly quotes Romans 15:4, making this an explicit allusion. The context in EGW is about learning from past writings, which aligns with the meaning of the verse.
"Had our good Bible been written by uninspired persons, it would have presented quite a different appearance and would have been a discouraging study to erring mortals, who are contending with natural frailties and the temptations of a wily foe. But as it is, we have a correct record of the religious experiences of marked characters in Bible history. Men whom God favored, and to whom He entrusted great responsibilities, were sometimes overcome by temptation and committed sins, even as we of the present day strive, waver, and frequently fall into error. But it is encouraging to our desponding hearts to know that through God's grace they could gain fresh vigor to again rise above their evil natures; and, remembering this, we are ready to renew the conflict ourselves. 4T 10.2"
Both passages discuss the value of past writings (Scripture and Bible history) for learning and encouragement, particularly in the face of human failings. The EGW passage amplifies the idea of learning from the experiences of biblical figures, echoing the principle in Romans 15:4.
"That this volume with its rich lessons of faith in God and His Son, the Saviour of the world, and the stories of His providence in the lives of great men and women of Old Testament times may deepen the religious experience and enlighten the minds of all who read its pages is the sincere wish of the Publishers and PK 10.3"
Both passages discuss the purpose of scripture for learning and hope. EGW's statement about the book's purpose echoes the sentiment in Romans 15:4.
"them become acquainted with these lands and their peoples. In this line much might be accomplished in our schools. Instead of dwelling on the exploits of the Alexanders and Napoleons of history, let the pupils study the lives of such men as the apostle Paul and Martin Luther, as Moffat and Livingstone and Carey, and the present daily-unfolding history of missionary effort. Instead of burdening their memories with an array of names and theories that have no bearing upon their lives, and to which, once outside the schoolroom, they rarely give a thought, let them study all lands in the light of missionary effort and become acquainted with the peoples and their needs. Ed 269.2"
Both passages emphasize the importance of learning from historical accounts for practical application and hope. Romans 15:4 speaks generally about the value of scripture for learning and hope, while EGW specifies learning from missionary figures for practical application in life. There's a clear thematic parallel in the purpose of studying historical figures.
"Of special value to God's church on earth today—the keepers of His vineyard—are the messages of counsel and admonition given through the prophets who have made plain His eternal purpose in behalf of mankind. In the teachings of the prophets, His love for the lost race and His plan for their salvation are clearly revealed. The story of Israel's call, of their successes and failures, of their restoration to divine favor, of their rejection of the Master of the vineyard, and of the carrying out of the plan of the ages by a goodly remnant to whom are to be fulfilled all the covenant promises—this has been the theme of God's messengers to His church throughout the centuries that have passed. And today God's message to His church—to those who are occupying His vineyard as faithful husbandmen—is none other than that spoken through the prophet of old: PK 22.1"
Romans 15:4 speaks of the value of scripture for learning and hope. EGW's passage emphasizes the value of the prophets' messages for the church today, aligning with the principle that past writings are valuable for present understanding and guidance.
"This passage in David's history is full of significance to the repenting sinner. It is one of the most forcible illustrations given us of the struggles and temptations of humanity, and of genuine repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Through all the ages it has proved a source of encouragement to souls that, having fallen into sin, were struggling under the burden of their guilt. Thousands of the children of God, who have been betrayed into sin, when ready to give up to despair have remembered how David's sincere repentance and confession were accepted by God, notwithstanding he suffered for his transgression; and they also have taken courage to repent and try again to walk in the way of God's commandments. PP 726.4"
The EGW passage discusses how David's story provides encouragement and hope to repenting sinners. Romans 15:4 speaks of the scriptures providing hope through patience and comfort. The connection lies in the idea that biblical narratives, like David's, offer hope and encouragement, aligning with the purpose of scripture as described in Romans 15:4.
"We found everywhere the scoffers whom Peter said should come in the last days, walking after their own lusts, and saying: “Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” But those who had looked for the coming of the Lord were not without comfort. They had obtained valuable knowledge in the searching of the word. The plan of salvation was plainer to their understanding. Every day they discovered new beauties in the sacred pages, and a wonderful harmony running through all, one scripture explaining another, and no word used in vain. 1T 57.2"
Romans 15:4 speaks of the comfort and hope found in scripture, which aligns with EGW's statement about those who searched the word finding comfort and understanding. While not a direct quote, the theme is similar.
Romans 15:16
"That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost."
True sanctification is a Bible doctrine. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonian church, declares: “This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” And he prays: “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3 ; 5:23 . The Bible clearly teaches what sanctification is and how it is to be attained. The Saviour prayed for His disciples: “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” John 17:17 . And Paul teaches that believers are to be “sanctified by the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:16 . What is the work of the Holy Spirit? Jesus told His disciples: “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13 . And the psalmist says: “Thy law is the truth.” By the word and the Spirit of God are opened to men the great principles of righteousness embodied in His law. And since the law of God is “holy, and just, and good,” a transcript of the divine perfection, it follows that a character formed by obedience to that law will be hol…
Ellen White directly references Romans 15:16 in this passage.