"Friends of the apostles, though unbelievers, warned them of the malicious designs of the Jews and urged them not to expose themselves needlessly to the fury of the mob, but to escape for their lives. Paul and Barnabas accordingly departed in secret from Iconium, leaving the believers to carry on the work alone for a time. But they by no means took final leave; they purposed to return after the excitement had abated, and complete the work begun. AA 179.1"
"But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come."
The EGW passage describes Paul and Barnabas fleeing Iconium due to threats from the Jews, which directly reflects the principle Jesus taught in Matthew 10:23 about fleeing persecution. The connection is a direct application of the principle.
"In every age and in every land, God's messengers have been called upon to meet bitter opposition from those who deliberately chose to reject the light of heaven. Often, by misrepresentation and falsehood, the enemies of the gospel have seemingly triumphed, closing the doors by which God's messengers might gain access to the people. But these doors cannot remain forever closed, and often, as God's servants have returned after a time to resume their labors, the Lord has wrought mightily in their behalf, enabling them to establish memorials to the glory of His name. AA 179.2"
"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
The EGW passage discusses the opposition and persecution faced by God's messengers, which aligns with the theme of persecution for those who live godly lives in Christ Jesus, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:12. The connection is a thematic parallel, as both passages address the reality of persecution for those who follow God.
"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord."
Both passages deal with opposition to God's messengers and the ultimate triumph of God's work despite that opposition. Isaiah 54:17 provides a general promise of protection, while the EGW passage illustrates this principle in the context of missionary work.