"It was at the ordination of the Twelve that the first step was taken in the organization of the church that after Christ's departure was to carry on His work on the earth. Of this ordination the record says, “He goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto Him whom He would: and they came unto Him. And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach.” Mark 3:13, 14 . AA 18.1"
"And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,"
The EGW passage directly quotes Mark 3:13-14, making it a clear and explicit allusion.
"Look upon the touching scene. Behold the Majesty of heaven surrounded by the Twelve whom He has chosen. He is about to set them apart for their work. By these feeble agencies, through His word and Spirit, He designs to place salvation within the reach of all. AA 18.2"
"And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;"
The EGW passage directly refers to the scene of Jesus choosing the twelve disciples, as described in Luke 6:13. It's a direct reference to the biblical event and its significance.
"With gladness and rejoicing, God and the angels beheld this scene. The Father knew that from these men the light of heaven would shine forth; that the words spoken by them as they witnessed for His Son, would echo from generation to generation till the close of time. AA 18.3"
"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."
Both passages describe joy in heaven over the salvation or positive transformation of people. The EGW passage speaks of God and the angels rejoicing over the future impact of the apostles' witness, while Luke 15:10 speaks of joy over one sinner who repents. The connection is thematic, focusing on heavenly rejoicing.
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."
The EGW passage states that the apostles' words would cause the 'light of heaven' to shine forth. Matthew 5:14 states that believers are the 'light of the world.' Both passages use the metaphor of light to describe the impact of believers on the world. The connection is thematic.