"Patience as well as courage has its victories. By meekness under trial, no less than by boldness in enterprise, souls may be won to Christ. The Christian who manifests patience and cheerfulness under bereavement and suffering, who meets even death itself with the peace and calmness of an unwavering faith, may accomplish for the gospel more than he could have effected by a long life of faithful labor. Often when the servant of God is withdrawn from active duty, the mysterious providence which our shortsighted vision would lament is designed by God to accomplish a work that otherwise would never have been done. AA 465.1"
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Both passages highlight how a Christian's behavior, even in suffering, can be a powerful witness and lead others to Christ, aligning with the idea of letting one's light shine.
"their blood, souls hitherto in doubt and uncertainty were convinced of the faith of Christ and took their stand courageously for Him. From the ashes of the martyrs has sprung an abundant harvest for God. AA 465.2"
"And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."
While Acts 7:60 describes Stephen's death, the EGW quote connects the death of martyrs to the growth of the church, a common theme in Christian history. The connection is that Stephen's death, like other martyrs, contributed to the spread of the gospel.
"The zeal and fidelity of Paul and his fellow workers, no less than the faith and obedience of these converts to Christianity, under circumstances so forbidding, rebuke slothfulness and lack of faith in the minister of Christ. The apostle and his associate workers might have argued that it would be vain to call to repentance and faith in Christ the servants of Nero, subjected, as they were, to fierce temptations, surrounded by formidable hindrances, and exposed to bitter opposition. Even should they be convinced of the truth, how could they render obedience? But Paul did not reason thus; in faith he presented the gospel to these souls, and among those who heard were some who decided to obey at any cost. Notwithstanding obstacles and dangers, they would accept the light, and trust God to help them let their light shine forth to others. AA 465.3"
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
The EGW passage illustrates the principle of Matthew 28:19 by showing Paul actively sharing the gospel even in difficult circumstances, teaching and reaching people regardless of their background or situation.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
Both passages emphasize the importance of not being ashamed of the gospel and sharing it with others, even in the face of adversity. Paul's example of preaching to Nero's servants despite the challenges aligns with the sentiment of Romans 1:16.