After speaking of the scene of his trial before Nero, the desertion of his brethren, and the sustaining grace of a covenant-keeping God, Paul closed his letter by commending his beloved Timothy to the guardianship of the Chief Shepherd, who, though the undershepherds might be stricken down, would still care for His flock. AA 508.2 Chapter 50—Condemned to Die During Paul's final trial before Nero, the emperor had been so strongly impressed with the force of the apostle's words that he deferred the decision of the case, neither acquitting nor condemning the accused servant of God. But the emperor's malice against Paul soon returned. Exasperated by his inability to check the spread of the Christian religion, even in the imperial household, he determined that as soon as a plausible pretext could be found, the apostle should be put to death. Not long afterward Nero pronounced the decision that condemned Paul to a martyr's death. Inasmuch as a Roman citizen could not be subjected to torture,…
"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
While not a direct quote, the EGW passage uses the concept of the 'Chief Shepherd' caring for the flock after the undershepherds are gone, which aligns with the theme of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who cares for his sheep, even giving his life for them. The connection is thematic rather than a direct allusion.
"saw him cheerful and even joyous in the prospect of death. To some who witnessed his martyrdom, his spirit of forgiveness toward his murderers and his unwavering confidence in Christ till the last, proved a savor of life unto life. More than one accepted the Saviour whom Paul preached, and erelong fearlessly sealed their faith with their blood. AA 509.2"
"To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?"
The EGW passage uses the phrase 'savor of life unto life' which is directly taken from 2 Corinthians 2:16. The context of Paul's martyrdom leading to conversions reinforces the connection.