The Christian church was at this time entering upon an important era. The work of proclaiming the gospel message among the Gentiles was now to be prosecuted with vigor; and as a result the church was to be strengthened by a great ingathering of souls. The apostles who had been appointed to lead out in this work would be exposed to suspicion, prejudice, and jealousy. Their teachings concerning the breaking down of “the middle wall of partition” ( Ephesians 2:14 ) that had so long separated the Jewish and the Gentile world, would naturally subject them to the charge of heresy, and their authority as ministers of the gospel would be questioned by many zealous, believing Jews. God foresaw the difficulties that His servants would be called to meet, and, in order that their work should be above challenge, He instructed the church by revelation to set them apart publicly to the work of the ministry. Their ordination was a public recognition of their divine appointment to bear to the Gentiles …
"For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;"
Ellen White directly references Ephesians 2:14 in this passage.
"Both Paul and Barnabas had already received their commission from God Himself, and the ceremony of the laying on of hands added no new grace or virtual qualification. It was an acknowledged form of designation to an appointed office and a recognition of one's authority in that office. By it the seal of the church was set upon the work of God. AA 161.2"
"And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away."
EGW directly explains the meaning and significance of the laying on of hands in Acts 13:3, providing context and interpretation. It's more than a thematic parallel; it's a direct explanation of the principle behind the act.