"Chapter 14—Ministry to the Rich Cornelius, the Roman centurion, was a man of wealth and of noble birth. His position was one of trust and honor. A heathen by birth, training, and education, through contact with the Jews he had gained a knowledge of the true God, and he worshiped Him, showing the sincerity of his faith by compassion to the poor. He gave “alms to the people, and prayed to God always.” Acts 10:2 , A.R.V. MH 209"
"A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway."
The EGW passage directly quotes and references Acts 10:2, making it a clear and explicit allusion.
"Cornelius had not a knowledge of the gospel as revealed in the life and death of Christ, and God sent a message direct from heaven to him, and by another message directed the apostle Peter to visit and instruct him. Cornelius was not united with the Jewish church, and he would have been looked upon by the rabbis as a heathen and unclean; but God read the sincerity of his heart, and sent messengers from His throne to unite with His servant on earth in teaching the gospel to this officer of Rome. MH 209.2"
"He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do."
The EGW passage directly recounts and expands upon the biblical narrative of Cornelius in Acts 10, highlighting God's direct intervention and Peter's role. It's more than a thematic parallel; it's a retelling with added commentary.
"So today God is seeking for souls among the high as well as the low. There are many like Cornelius, men whom He desires to connect with His church. Their sympathies are with the Lord's people. But the ties that bind them to the world hold them firmly. It requires moral courage for these men to take their position with the lowly ones. Special effort should be made for these souls, who are in so great danger because of their responsibilities and associations. MH 209.3"
"Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."
While not a direct quote or allusion, the EGW passage echoes the sentiment of 1 Timothy 2:4 regarding God's desire for all people to be saved. It applies this principle specifically to those in positions of influence, drawing a parallel to Cornelius.