"The next Sunday, at the commencement of the love feast, the presiding elder read off our names, seven in number, as discontinued from the church. He stated that we were not expelled on account of any wrong or immoral conduct, that we were of unblemished character and enviable reputation, but we had been guilty of walking contrary to the rules of the Methodist Church. He also declared that a door was now open, and all who were guilty of a similar breach of the rules would be dealt with in like manner. 1T 43.2"
"These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue."
Both passages describe being excluded from a religious community for beliefs or actions that deviate from the established norms. While the specific reasons differ, the underlying theme of exclusion for nonconformity is present in both.
"There were many in the church who waited for the appearing of the Saviour, and this threat was made for the purpose of frightening them into subjection. In some cases this policy brought about the desired result, and the favor of God was sold for a place in the church. Many believed, but dared not confess their faith, lest they should be turned out of the synagogue. But some left soon afterward and joined the company of those who were looking for the Saviour. 1T 43.3"
"Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:"
The EGW passage directly echoes the situation described in John 12:42, where people believed but feared confessing their faith due to potential repercussions from religious authorities. The phrase 'lest they should be turned out of the synagogue' is nearly identical.
"These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue."
The EGW passage mirrors the scenario in John 9:22, where fear of being ostracized from the synagogue prevented people from openly acknowledging Jesus as the Christ. The explicit mention of being 'put out of the synagogue' connects the two passages strongly.