"Pages 116, 117, 122, 123, “The Messenger Party”—In the summer of 1854 there appeared among the Sabbathkeeping Adventists the first disaffection, or apostasy. Two men who had been preaching the message were reproved through the spirit of prophecy for a harsh, censorious spirit, for avarice, and for extravagance in the use of means placed in their hands. Becoming embittered instead of repentant, they joined with a few others in unjust recrimination against Elder and Mrs. White and other leaders, making false charges against them. Although continuing to advocate the Sabbath truth, they began the publication of a slanderous sheet which they called the Messenger of Truth . 1T 714.1"
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction."
Both passages describe the emergence of false teachers who spread false doctrines and accusations. 2 Peter 2:1 speaks of false prophets bringing in damnable heresies, while the EGW passage describes individuals who, after being reproved, turned against the leaders and made false charges. The parallel is the presence of false teachers and their destructive influence.
"Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them."
Both passages describe individuals arising from within the community who speak perverse things and draw disciples away. Acts 20:30 warns of men arising from within the church, while the EGW passage describes individuals who were once part of the Sabbathkeeping Adventists but then turned against the leaders. The parallel is the internal origin of the dissenting voices and their aim to lead others astray.
"For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake."
The Titus passage speaks of those who teach things they ought not for financial gain, which aligns with the EGW passage's mention of avarice and extravagance in the use of means.
"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ."
The Galatians passage addresses those who are turning away from the true gospel, which is similar to the EGW passage's description of disaffection and apostasy.
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."
The 2 Timothy passage describes people who turn away from sound doctrine and follow their own desires, which is similar to the EGW passage's description of those who became embittered and turned against the leaders.
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
The Matthew passage warns against false prophets who appear harmless but are destructive, which can be related to the EGW passage's description of those who continued to advocate the Sabbath truth while publishing slanderous material.
"The course of these “opposers of the truth” was soon run. Both Stephenson and Hall lost their reason. The Messenger of Truth ceased publication in 1857, and early in 1858 Elder White reported regarding the party: “Not one of the eighteen messengers of which they once boasted as being with them is now bearing a public testimony, and not one place of regular meeting of our knowledge among them.”—The Review and Herald, January 14, 1858. 1T 714.3"
"Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith."
The 2 Timothy passage speaks of those who resist the truth, which aligns with the EGW passage's description of "opposers of the truth" and their eventual downfall.
"Page 190, Systematic Benevolence—In the early days of the message, men impelled by the urge of conviction went forth to preach the new-found truths. They were dependent for their support upon their own labors or the freewill offerings of the believers. Such an uncertain method was more or less spasmodic and fluctuating. Early in 1859 the need for a more certain plan was felt, and earnest study was given to the matter. There grew out of this study the plan called Systematic Benevolence. In harmony with 1 Corinthians 16:2 giving regularly on the first day of the week was recommended, and, as suggested by 2 Corinthians 8:12-14 , an equitable distribution of financial responsibility. The plan called for brethren to lay by in store weekly from five to twenty-five cents; the sisters, from two to ten cents; and for property owners to give weekly from one to five cents on each hundred dollars worth of assets. 1T 714.4"
"Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come."
Ellen White directly references 1 Corinthians 16:2 in this passage.
"For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:"
Ellen White directly references 2 Corinthians 8:12-14 in this passage.
"The plan was generally received with favor, and here received the endorsement of the spirit of prophecy. The greatest sin in the church was pointed out to be covetousness. ( Page 194 .) Systematic Benevolence was not presented as a perfected plan, for it was also stated that “God is leading his people” in the matter, and “ is bringing ” them up. ( Page 191 .) As plans for support of the work and the ministry broadened, the spirit of liberality was encouraged more and more until at length light from the Scriptures revealed the system of tithes and offerings as they are known in the church today. 1T 714.5"
"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:"
The EGW passage identifies covetousness as a significant sin within the church, which aligns with the biblical condemnation of covetousness as expressed in Colossians 3:5. While not a direct quote or explicit allusion, the theme is present.
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
Similar to the previous pair, the EGW passage addresses covetousness, which is also the central theme of Hebrews 13:5. The connection is thematic.