"concerning the followers of Jesus. He was “caught up to the third heaven,” “into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” He himself acknowledged that many “visions and revelations” had been given him “of the Lord.” His understanding of the principles of gospel truth was equal to that of “the very chiefest apostles.” 2 Corinthians 12:2, 4, 1, 11 . He had a clear, full comprehension of “the breadth, and length, and depth, and height” of “the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.” Ephesians 3:18, 19 . AA 469.1"
"I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter."
The EGW passage directly quotes and references 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, citing Paul's experience of being caught up to the third heaven and hearing unspeakable words.
"May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."
The EGW passage directly quotes and references Ephesians 3:18-19, citing Paul's understanding of the breadth, length, depth, and height of the love of Christ.
"Paul could not tell all that he had seen in vision; for among his hearers were some who would have misapplied his words. But that which was revealed to him enabled him to labor as a leader and a wise teacher, and also molded the messages that he in later years sent to the churches. The impression that he received when in vision was ever with him, enabling him to give a correct representation of Christian character. By word of mouth and by letter he bore a message that ever since has brought help and strength to the church of God. To believers today this message speaks plainly of the dangers that will threaten the church, and the false doctrines that they will have to meet. AA 469.2"
"How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter."
The EGW passage refers back to the experience described in 2 Corinthians 12:4, where Paul heard unspeakable words, and connects it to his later ministry and teachings. It builds upon the idea that Paul's visions shaped his understanding and communication of Christian principles.