Ellen G. White and Her Critics

Visions of John, Paul, and Zacharias

When John the revelator received a vision of Christ, the effect produced upon him he records thus: EGWC 60.1

“And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last.” Revelation 1:17. EGWC 60.2

Of the vision that Saul of Tarsus received on the Damascus road, which changed him over to Paul the flaming apostle, the record declares: EGWC 60.3

“And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” Acts 9:3-6. EGWC 60.4

The priest Zacharias, father of John the Baptist, received a vision. The record says: EGWC 60.5

“And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.” EGWC 60.6

“And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. EGWC 60.7

“And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. EGWC 60.8

“And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.” Luke 1:11-13, 18-22. EGWC 60.9

Nor did the dumbness of Zacharias end until the child was born and was about to be circumcised. The question of naming the child was referred to him: EGWC 61.1

“And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.” Luke 1:63, 64. EGWC 61.2