"penalty of disobedience. Wrongdoers must repent of their sins and humble themselves before God, whose just wrath they have incurred by breaking His law, and they must also exercise faith in the blood of Christ as their only means of pardon. The Son of God had died as their sacrifice and had ascended to heaven to stand before the Father as their advocate. By repentance and faith they might be freed from the condemnation of sin and through the grace of Christ be enabled henceforth to render obedience to the law of God. AA 393.1"
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;"
Both passages emphasize the importance of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The EGW passage builds upon this principle by connecting it to faith in Christ and obedience to God's law.
"And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission."
Both passages discuss the necessity of blood for the remission of sins. The EGW passage expands on the concept, but the core idea is present in Hebrews 9:22.
"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:"
Both passages refer to Jesus Christ as an advocate with the Father. The EGW passage elaborates on the role of the advocate in the context of sin and forgiveness.
"“And now, behold,” Paul continued, “I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.” AA 393.2"
"And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:"
EGW directly quotes Acts 20:22.
"Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me."
EGW directly quotes Acts 20:23.
"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."
EGW directly quotes Acts 20:24.
"And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more."
EGW directly quotes Acts 20:25.
"Paul had not designed to bear this testimony; but, while he was speaking, the Spirit of Inspiration came upon him, confirming his fears that this would be his last meeting with his Ephesian brethren. AA 393.3"
"And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more."
EGW interprets Paul's statement in Acts 20:25 as a prophecy revealed by the Spirit, indicating that this would be his last meeting with the Ephesian brethren. This is a direct interpretation of the verse.
“Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” No fear of giving offense, no desire for friendship or applause, could lead Paul to withhold the words that God had given him for their instruction, warning, or correction. From His servants today God requires fearlessness in preaching the word and in carrying out its precepts. The minister of Christ is not to present to the people only those truths that are the most pleasing, while he withholds others that might cause them pain. He should watch with deep solicitude the development of character. If he sees that any of his flock are cherishing sin he must as a faithful shepherd give them from God's word the instruction that is applicable to their case. Should he permit them in their self-confidence to go on unwarned, he would be held responsible for their souls. The pastor who fulfills his high commission must give his people faithful in…
"Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men."
The EGW passage directly quotes Acts 20:26 and uses it as a basis for her discussion on the responsibilities of ministers.
"For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God."
The EGW passage directly quotes Acts 20:27 and uses it as a basis for her discussion on the responsibilities of ministers.
"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."
While not a direct quote, the EGW passage echoes the sentiment of 1 Timothy 4:16 regarding the importance of a minister's conduct and doctrine for the salvation of themselves and their hearers. The connection is thematic rather than a direct allusion.