"Opposing Adventists Our most bitter opponents are found among the first-day Adventists. They do not engage in the warfare honorably. They will pursue any course, however unreasonable and inconsistent, to cover up the truth and try to make it appear that the law of God is of no force. They flatter themselves that the end will justify the means. Men of their own number, in whom they had not confidence, will commence a tirade against the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and they will give publicity to their statements, however untrue, unjust, and even ridiculous, if they can make them bear against the truth which they hate. 3T 36"
"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."
Both passages discuss being reviled and persecuted for one's beliefs. EGW specifically mentions being opposed by first-day Adventists and their dishonest tactics, while Matthew 5:11 speaks generally about being persecuted for Christ's sake. The connection is thematic, focusing on the experience of opposition and false accusations.
"In this age, when pleasing fables are drifting upon the surface and attracting the mind, truth presented in an easy style, backed up with a few strong proofs, is better than to search and bring forth an overwhelming array of evidence; for the point then does not stand so distinct in many minds as before the objections and evidences were brought before them. With many, assertions will go further than long arguments. They take many things for granted. Proof does not help the case in the minds of such. 3T 36.1"
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."
Both passages address the tendency of people to prefer pleasing fables over sound doctrine or truth. The EGW passage speaks of 'pleasing fables' attracting the mind, while the Bible verse speaks of people turning to 'fables' because they will not endure sound doctrine.
"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."
Both passages touch on the idea that simple, direct presentation of truth is more effective than relying on elaborate arguments or human wisdom. The EGW passage suggests presenting truth in an 'easy style' with 'a few strong proofs,' while the Bible verse describes Paul's preaching as not being with 'enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.'
"We should not be moved or disconcerted by this unjust warfare from unreasonable men. Those who receive, and are pleased with, what these men speak and write against the truth are not the ones who would be convinced of the truth or who would honor the cause of God if they should accept it. Time and strength can be better employed than to dwell at length upon the quibbles of our opponents who deal in slander and misrepresentations. While precious time is employed in following the crooks and turns of dishonest opponents, the people who are open to conviction are dying for want of knowledge. A train of senseless quibbles of Satan's own invention is brought before minds, while the people are crying for food, for meat in due season. 3T 36.3"
"Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."
Both passages advise against wasting time on those who are hostile to the truth. Matthew 7:6 warns against giving what is holy to those who will only reject and attack it. EGW advises against dwelling on the quibbles of opponents, arguing that time is better spent reaching those open to conviction. The shared theme is the importance of discerning who is receptive to the message and focusing efforts accordingly.