"With deep interest and grateful, wondering joy the brethren listened to Paul's words. By faith they grasped the wonderful truth of Christ's atoning sacrifice and received Him as their Redeemer. They were then baptized in the name of Jesus, and as Paul “laid his hands upon them,” they received also the baptism of the Holy Spirit, by which they were enabled to speak the languages of other nations and to prophesy. Thus they were qualified to labor as missionaries in Ephesus and its vicinity and also to go forth to proclaim the gospel in Asia Minor. AA 283.1"
"And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."
The EGW passage is a clear retelling of the events in Acts 19:6, directly referencing the laying on of hands, the coming of the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues, and prophesying.
"It was by cherishing a humble, teachable spirit that these men gained the experience that enabled them to go out as workers into the harvest field. Their example presents to Christians a lesson of great value. There are many who make but little progress in the divine life because they are too self-sufficient to occupy the position of learners. They are content with a superficial knowledge of God's word. They do not wish to change their faith or practice and hence make no effort to obtain greater light. AA 283.2"
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 1:7 regarding the importance of humility and teachability in gaining knowledge and wisdom, contrasting it with the foolishness of those who despise instruction.
"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
Both passages address the idea of continuous learning without ever reaching true understanding. The EGW passage speaks of those content with superficial knowledge, while 2 Timothy 3:7 describes those 'ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.'
"If the followers of Christ were but earnest seekers after wisdom, they would be led into rich fields of truth as yet wholly unknown to them. He who will give himself fully to God will be guided by the divine hand. He may be lowly and apparently ungifted; yet if with a loving, trusting heart he obeys every intimation of God's will, his powers will be purified, ennobled, energized, and his capabilities will be increased. As he treasures the lessons of divine wisdom, a sacred commission will be entrusted to him; he will be enabled to make his life an honor to God and a blessing to the world. “The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130 . AA 283.3"
"The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple."
Ellen White directly references Psalms 119:130 in this passage.