"Paul loved Timothy, his “own son in the faith.” [ 1 Timothy 1:2 .] The great apostle often drew the younger disciple out, questioning him in regard to Scripture history; and as they traveled from place to place, he carefully taught him how to do successful work. Both Paul and Silas, in all their association with Timothy, sought to deepen the impression that had already been made upon his mind, of the sacred, serious nature of the work of the gospel minister.— The Acts of the Apostles, 203, 204 . GW 440.3"
"Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord."
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 1:2 in this passage.