"There is need of men of faith, who will not only preach, but will minister to the people. Men are needed who walk daily with God, who have a living connection with heaven, whose words have power to bring conviction to hearts. Not that they may make a display of their talents and intelligence, are ministers to labor, but that the truth may cut its way to the soul as an arrow from the Almighty. GW 33.1"
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of Hebrews 4:12 regarding the power of God's word to penetrate the heart and bring conviction. The image of the word as an arrow aligns with the sword imagery in Hebrews.
"But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."
Both passages emphasize the importance of ministers dedicating themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. EGW expands on this by highlighting the need for men of faith who have a living connection with heaven.
"A minister, after preaching a Bible discourse which brought deep conviction to one of his hearers, was accosted with the question, “Do you really believe what you have preached?” GW 33.2"
"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?"
Both passages describe a situation where preaching or teaching leads to deep conviction in the hearers. The EGW passage highlights the question of the speaker's own belief, while Acts 2:37 shows the hearers asking what they should do.
"Then the man broke out, “O, if this is the truth, what shall we do?” GW 33.6"
"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?"
Both passages feature individuals who, upon hearing a message, ask the question, "What shall we do?" indicating a sense of conviction and a desire to respond appropriately. The context is different, but the core question is the same.
"“What shall we do?” thought the minister—“we”? What could the man mean? But the question forced its way to his soul. He went away to plead with God to tell him what to do. And as he prayed, there came to him with overwhelming force the thought that he had the solemn realities of eternity to present to a dying world. For three weeks his place in the desk was vacant. He was seeking an answer to the question, “What shall we do?” GW 33.7"
"And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
The EGW passage directly quotes and expands upon the question "What shall we do?" mirroring the inquiry in Acts 16:30, although the specific context and motivation differ. The parallel lies in the seeking of guidance after a realization of need.
"The minister returned to his charge with an unction from the Holy One. He realized that his past preaching had made little impression on his hearers. Now he felt upon him the terrible weight of souls. As he came to his desk, he was not alone. There was a great work to be done, but he knew that God would not fail him. Before his hearers he exalted the Saviour and His matchless love. There was a revelation of the Son of God, and a revival began that spread through the churches of the surrounding districts. GW 33.8"
"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."
Both passages describe a minister being empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach effectively and bring about a revival. The EGW passage focuses on the minister's realization of the weight of souls and the subsequent revival, while Acts 1:8 speaks of receiving power to be witnesses.
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God."
Both passages deal with a minister's work and the need for God's help in preaching. The EGW passage describes a minister who experiences a revival after realizing his past preaching was ineffective, while the Bible verse speaks of being ambassadors for Christ and beseeching people to be reconciled to God. The connection is thematic, focusing on the role of a minister and the power of God in their work, but not a direct allusion.
"Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee."
Both passages relate to conversion and teaching. The EGW passage describes a revival and the exaltation of the Saviour, leading to conversions. Psalm 51:13 speaks of teaching transgressors God's ways, leading to sinners being converted. The connection is thematic, but not a strong or direct allusion.