We have a right to refer to the past, as did the apostle Paul. “And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.” In referring to our past experience, we are carrying out the exhortation of the apostle to the Hebrews: “But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.” {3T 318.4}

Vi har en ret til at henvise til vor fortid, som apostlen Paulus gjorde. (319) »Men hos jer faldt jeg ingen til byrde, selv når jeg led savn; thi brødrene, der kom fra Makedonien, skød til, hvad jeg manglede. I enhver henseende har jeg undgået og vil jeg undgå at være jer til besvær. Så vist som Kristi sandhed bor i mig, skal denne ros ikke fratages mig i Akajas egne.« Med henvisning til vor tidligere erfaring, fremfører vi apostlens formaning til hebræerne: »Men kom den første tid i hu, da I, efter at være blevet oplyst, udholdt mangen en lidelsesfuld kamp, idet I snart ved hån og mishandling blev et skuespil for folk, snart delte kår med dem, som gennemgik sådanne lidelser.«