"In former years the wives of ministers endured want and persecution. When their husbands suffered imprisonment, and sometimes death, those noble, self-sacrificing women suffered with them, and their reward will be equal to that bestowed on the husband. Mrs. Boardman and the Mrs. Judsons suffered for the truth, suffered with their companions. They sacrificed home and friends in every sense of the word to aid their companions in the work of enlightening those who sat in darkness, to reveal to them the hidden mysteries of the word of God. Their lives were in constant peril. To save souls was their great object, and for this they could suffer cheerfully. 1T 451.1"
"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
The EGW passage speaks of persecution for the truth's sake, aligning with the core idea of Matthew 5:10. The examples of Mrs. Boardman and the Mrs. Judsons illustrate this persecution and suffering.
"The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up."
Both passages refer to bringing light to those in darkness. EGW uses the phrase in the context of missionary work, which aligns with the verse's broader theme of spiritual enlightenment.
"Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour."
The EGW passage states that the wives' reward will be equal to that bestowed on the husband, which aligns with the principle in 1 Corinthians 3:8 that each person receives a reward according to their labor. While not a direct quote, the principle of equal reward for shared labor is present.
"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."
Both passages discuss turning people from darkness to light, and the EGW quote speaks of enlightening those who sit in darkness. This is a clear thematic parallel.
"I was shown the life of Christ. When His self-denial and sacrifice is compared with the trials and sufferings of the wives of some of our ministers, it causes anything which they may call sacrifice to sink into insignificance. If the minister's wife speaks words of discontent and discouragement, the influence upon the husband is disheartening and tends to cripple him in his labor, especially if his success depends upon surrounding influences. Must the minister of God in such cases be crippled or torn from his field of labor to gratify the feelings of his wife, which arise from an unwillingness to yield inclination to duty? The wife should conform her wishes and pleasures to duty, and give up her selfish feelings for the sake of Christ and the truth. Satan has had much to do with controlling the labors of the ministers through the influence of selfish, ease- loving companions. 1T 451.2"
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
The EGW passage emphasizes self-denial and sacrifice, particularly in comparison to Christ's example. Philippians 2:5-8 directly addresses Christ's humility and self-sacrifice, making this a strong thematic parallel.
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
The EGW passage directly applies the principle of self-denial for the sake of Christ and the truth, which is the core message of Matthew 16:24. The call to 'deny himself' is central to both passages.