"Many months passed by after Paul's arrival in Rome, before the Jews of Jerusalem appeared in person to present their accusations against the prisoner. They had been repeatedly thwarted in their designs; and now that Paul was to be tried before the highest tribunal of the Roman Empire, they had no desire to risk another defeat. Lysias, Felix, Festus, and Agrippa had all declared their belief in his innocence. His enemies could hope for success only in seeking by intrigue to influence the emperor in their favor. Delay would further their object, as it would afford them time to perfect and execute their plans, and so they waited for a while before preferring their charges in person against the apostle. AA 453.1"
"But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him."
Both passages discuss the circumstances surrounding Paul's trial and the delays caused by his accusers. Acts 25:25 mentions that Festus found Paul innocent and that Paul appealed to Caesar. The EGW passage elaborates on the reasons for the delay in the Jews' accusations, connecting to the broader narrative of Paul's legal troubles.
"friends and also present the truth daily to those who came to hear. Thus for two years he continued his labors, “preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” AA 453.2"
"Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."
The EGW passage directly quotes Acts 28:31, indicating a clear and intentional reference.
"During this time the churches that he had established in many lands were not forgotten. Realizing the dangers that threatened the converts to the new faith, the apostle sought so far as possible to meet their needs by letters of warning and practical instruction. And from Rome he sent out consecrated workers to labor not only for these churches, but in fields that he himself had not visited. These workers, as wise shepherds, strengthened the work so well begun by Paul; and the apostle, kept informed of the condition and dangers of the churches by constant communication with them, was enabled to exercise a wise supervision over all. AA 453.3"
"And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed."
Both passages highlight the importance of ongoing pastoral care and communication with established churches. While Acts 14:23 focuses on appointing elders, the EGW passage expands on the methods of maintaining connection and providing guidance to those churches, reflecting a similar theme of nurturing and overseeing the spiritual well-being of believers.