"546.2 Christ had bidden the first disciples love one another as He had loved them. Thus they were to bear testimony to the world that Christ was formed within, the hope of glory. “A new commandment I give unto you,” He had said, “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34 . At the time when these words were spoken, the disciples could not understand them; but after they had witnessed the sufferings of Christ, after His crucifixion and resurrection, and ascension to heaven, and after the Holy Spirit had rested on them at Pentecost, they had a clearer conception of the love of God and of the nature of that love which they must have for one another. Then John could say to his fellow disciples: AA 547.1"
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
Ellen White directly references John 13:34 in this passage.
"“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” AA 547.2"
"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."
This is a direct quote from 1 John 3:16, making it an explicit allusion.
"After the descent of the Holy Spirit, when the disciples went forth to proclaim a living Saviour, their one desire was the salvation of souls. They rejoiced in the sweetness of communion with saints. They were tender, thoughtful, self-denying, willing to make any sacrifice for the truth's sake. In their daily association with one another, they revealed the love that Christ had enjoined upon them. By unselfish words and deeds they strove to kindle this love in other hearts. AA 547.3"
"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."
Both passages describe the early Christian community as being united in love and self-sacrifice. The EGW passage emphasizes their desire for the salvation of souls and their willingness to make sacrifices for the truth. Acts 4:32 highlights their unity of heart and soul and their sharing of possessions. The connection is thematic, focusing on the characteristics of the early church.
"Such a love the believers were ever to cherish. They were to go forward in willing obedience to the new commandment. So closely were they to be united with Christ that they would be enabled to fulfill all His requirements. Their lives were to magnify the power of a Saviour who could justify them by His righteousness. AA 547.4"
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
The EGW passage directly references and expands upon the 'new commandment' of love given by Jesus in John 13:34, emphasizing obedience and unity with Christ to fulfill His requirements.