"Chapter 9—An Illustration of His Methods “I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest me.” The most complete illustration of Christ's methods as a teacher is found in His training of the twelve first disciples. Upon these men were to rest weighty responsibilities. He had chosen them as men whom He could imbue with His Spirit, and who could be fitted to carry forward His work on earth when He should leave it. To them, above all others, He gave the advantage of His own companionship. Through personal association He impressed Himself upon these chosen colaborers. “The Life was manifested,” says John the beloved, “and we have seen it, and bear witness.” 1 John 1:2 . Ed 84"
"(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)"
Ellen White directly references 1 John 1:2 in this passage.
"Only by such communion—the communion of mind with mind and heart with heart, of the human with the divine—can be communicated that vitalizing energy which it is the work of true education to impart. It is only life that begets life. Ed 84.2"
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
Both passages emphasize the importance of communion with God for spiritual growth and life. EGW's statement about 'life begetting life' aligns with the concept of abiding in Christ to bear fruit, as described in John 15:5.
"In the training of His disciples the Saviour followed the system of education established at the beginning. The Twelve first chosen, with a few others who through ministry to their needs were from time to time connected with them, formed the family of Jesus. They were with Him in the house, at the table, in the closet, in the field. They accompanied Him on His journeys, shared His trials and hardships, and, as much as in them was, entered into His work. Ed 84.3"
"And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,"
The EGW passage elaborates on the idea presented in Mark 3:14, detailing the nature of Jesus's relationship with his disciples and how they learned from Him through shared experiences. The connection is strong and meaningful.