"The arguments of the apostles alone, though clear and convincing, would not have removed the prejudice that had withstood so much evidence. But the Holy Spirit sent the arguments home to hearts with divine power. The words of the apostles were as sharp arrows of the Almighty, convicting men of their terrible guilt in rejecting and crucifying the Lord of glory. AA 45.1"
"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
The EGW passage describes the impact of the apostles' words, empowered by the Holy Spirit, leading to conviction. This aligns with Acts 2:37, where the audience is 'pricked in their heart' after hearing Peter's sermon. The connection is thematic, focusing on the effect of the message.
"Under the training of Christ the disciples had been led to feel their need of the Spirit. Under the Spirit's teaching they received the final qualification, and went forth to their lifework. No longer were they ignorant and uncultured. No longer were they a collection of independent units or discordant, conflicting elements. No longer were their hopes set on worldly greatness. They were of “one accord,” “of one heart and of one soul.” Acts 2:46 ; 4:32 . Christ filled their thoughts; the advancement of His kingdom was their aim. In mind and character they had become like their Master, and men “took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 . AA 45.2"
"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,"
Ellen White directly references Acts 2:46 in this passage.
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."
Ellen White directly references Acts 4:13 in this passage.
"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common."
The EGW passage directly quotes and references Acts 4:32, highlighting the unity and shared purpose of the believers. This is a clear and intentional allusion.
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Acts 1:8 speaks of receiving power through the Holy Spirit to be witnesses. The EGW passage describes the disciples receiving the Spirit and being transformed, enabling them to fulfill their mission. While not a direct quote, the principle of empowerment for witness is present.
"Pentecost brought them the heavenly illumination. The truths they could not understand while Christ was with them were now unfolded. With a faith and assurance that they had never before known, they accepted the teachings of the Sacred Word. No longer was it a matter of faith with them that Christ was the Son of God. They knew that, although clothed with humanity, He was indeed the Messiah, and they told their experience to the world with a confidence which carried with it the conviction that God was with them. AA 45.3"
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
The EGW passage describes the Holy Spirit illuminating the disciples and unfolding truths they couldn't understand before. This directly reflects the promise in John 14:26 that the Holy Spirit would teach them all things and bring Jesus' words to their remembrance.
"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
The EGW passage describes the effects of Pentecost, including a deeper understanding and confidence in the teachings of Christ. Acts 2:4 describes the initial event of Pentecost, where the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in other tongues. The EGW passage amplifies the results of the Holy Spirit's infilling, making this a thematic parallel.