"It was not to exalt self, but to magnify the grace of God, that Paul thus presented to those who were denying his apostleship, proof that he was “not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.” 2 Corinthians 11:5 . Those who sought to belittle his calling and his work were fighting against Christ, whose grace and power were manifested through Paul. The apostle was forced, by the opposition of his enemies, to take a decided stand in maintaining his position and authority. AA 388.1"
"I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing."
The EGW passage directly quotes 2 Corinthians 11:5 (though it references 11:5, it's closer to 12:11), making it a clear and explicit allusion.
"For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles."
Ellen White directly references 2 Corinthians 11:5 in this passage.
"But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:"
Both passages relate to Paul's calling and authority as an apostle. Acts 9:15 describes God's initial selection of Paul, while the EGW passage discusses Paul defending his apostleship against those who questioned it. The connection is thematic, focusing on the divine origin of Paul's ministry.
"Paul pleaded with those who had once known in their lives the power of God, to return to their first love of gospel truth. With unanswerable arguments he set before them their privilege of becoming free men and women in Christ, through whose atoning grace all who make full surrender are clothed with the robe of His righteousness. He took the position that every soul who would be saved must have a genuine, personal experience in the things of God. AA 388.2"
"Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."
The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of Revelation 2:4-5 regarding returning to one's 'first love.' Both passages emphasize the importance of a renewed and genuine relationship with God. The phrase 'first love' is a strong indicator of the connection.
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."
The EGW passage speaks of freedom in Christ and not being bound, which aligns with the theme of Galatians 5:1. The verse is about standing fast in liberty, and EGW speaks of the privilege of becoming free in Christ.
"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:"
The EGW passage mentions being clothed with the robe of righteousness through Christ's atoning grace, which is thematically linked to Romans 3:22, which speaks of the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
"The apostle's earnest words of entreaty were not fruitless. The Holy Spirit wrought with mighty power, and many whose feet had wandered into strange paths, returned to their former faith in the gospel. Henceforth they were steadfast in the liberty wherewith Christ had made them free. In their lives were revealed the fruits of the Spirit—“love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” The name of God was glorified, and many were added to the number of believers throughout that region. AA 388.3"
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,"
EGW directly quotes the list of the fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22.