"In the days of the apostles, men went everywhere preaching the word. New churches were raised up. Their love and zeal for Christ led them to acts of great denial and sacrifice. Many of these Gentile churches were very poor, yet the apostle declares that their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality. Their gifts were extended beyond their ability to give. Men periled their lives and suffered the loss of all things for the truth's sake. 3T 413.1"
"How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality."
EGW directly references and quotes 2 Corinthians 8:2, making a clear connection between the generosity of the early Gentile churches and the need for similar liberality in her own time.
"Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word."
Both passages describe the widespread preaching of the word by early Christians. EGW uses this as a backdrop to discuss the sacrifices made for the truth, while Acts 8:4 simply states the fact of their dispersal and preaching.
"The apostle suggests the first day of the week as a proper time to review the course of Providence and the prosperity experienced, and in the fear of God, with true gratitude of heart for the blessings He has bestowed, to decide how much, according to His own devised plan, shall be rendered back to Him. 3T 413.2"
"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."
The EGW passage directly references and interprets 1 Corinthians 16:2, applying it to a system of proportionate giving based on prosperity. The connection is clear and intentional.
"God designs that the exercise of benevolence shall be purely voluntary, not having recourse even to eloquent appeals to excite sympathy. “God loveth a cheerful giver.” He is not pleased to have His treasury replenished with forced supplies. The loyal hearts of His people, rejoicing in the saving truth for this time, will, through love and gratitude to Him for this precious light, be earnest and anxious to aid with their means in sending the truth to others. The very best manner in which to give expression to our love for our Redeemer is to make offerings to bring souls to the knowledge of the truth. The plan of redemption was entirely voluntary on the part of our Redeemer, and it is the purpose of Christ that all our benevolence should be freewill offerings. 3T 413.3"
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
The EGW passage directly quotes 2 Corinthians 9:7 ("God loveth a cheerful giver") and builds upon the principle of voluntary and cheerful giving. The connection is undeniable.