"In their pride of intellect and human wisdom may be found the reason why the gospel message met with comparatively little success among the Athenians. The worldly-wise men who come to Christ as poor lost sinners, will become wise unto salvation; but those who come as distinguished men, extolling their own wisdom, will fail of receiving the light and knowledge that He alone can give. AA 240.1"
"At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."
Both passages contrast worldly wisdom with spiritual understanding, suggesting that those who consider themselves wise may be less receptive to divine truth.
"Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise."
Both passages discuss the idea that worldly wisdom can be a hindrance to spiritual understanding. 1 Corinthians 3:18 suggests becoming a 'fool' to gain true wisdom, while the EGW passage states that those who extol their own wisdom will fail to receive light and knowledge from Christ.
"Thus Paul met the paganism of his day. His labors in Athens were not wholly in vain. Dionysius, one of the most prominent citizens, and some others, accepted the gospel message and united themselves fully with the believers. AA 240.2"
"Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them."
The EGW passage directly references the individuals mentioned in Acts 17:34, including Dionysius, and their conversion. It's a clear and direct allusion.
"Inspiration has given us this glance into the life of the Athenians, who, with all their knowledge, refinement, and art, were yet sunken in vice, that it might be seen how God, through His servant, rebuked idolatry and the sins of a proud, self-sufficient people. The words of the apostle, and the description of his attitude and surroundings, as traced by the pen of inspiration, were to be handed down to all coming generations, bearing witness of his unshaken confidence, his courage in loneliness and adversity, and the victory he gained for Christianity in the very heart of paganism. AA 240.3"
"Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry."
Both passages discuss the idolatry prevalent in Athens. EGW expands on the implications of this idolatry and Paul's response, drawing a thematic parallel to the biblical account.
"Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious."
Both passages describe Paul's encounter with the Athenians and their religious practices. EGW's description of Paul rebuking idolatry and the sins of the Athenians is directly related to Paul's speech in Acts 17:22.