"At the time when Philip called him, Nathanael had withdrawn to a quiet grove to meditate upon the announcement of John and the prophecies concerning the Messiah. He prayed that if the one announced by John was the deliverer, it might be made known to him, and the Holy Spirit rested upon him with assurance that God had visited His people and raised up a horn of salvation for them. Philip knew that his friend was searching the prophecies, and while Nathanael was praying under a fig tree, Philip discovered his retreat. They had often prayed together in this secluded spot hidden by the foliage. DA 140.1"
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,"
Both passages deal with the anticipation and arrival of the Messiah and God visiting his people. EGW's passage amplifies the context of Nathanael's prayer, connecting it to the broader theme of God's visitation. While not a direct quote, the thematic resonance is present.
"The message, “We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write,” seemed to Nathanael a direct answer to his prayer. But Philip had yet a trembling faith. He added doubtfully, “Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Again prejudice arose in Nathanael's heart. He exclaimed, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” DA 140.2"
"Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."
EGW directly quotes and references John 1:45, making it a clear explicit allusion.
"Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?"
Both passages address the prejudice against Jesus coming from Nazareth/Galilee. EGW's passage highlights Nathanael's initial prejudice, echoing the sentiment expressed in John 7:41. It's not a direct quote, but the thematic connection is strong.
"Philip entered into no controversy. He said, “Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” In surprise Nathanael exclaimed, “Whence knowest Thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.” DA 140.3"
"Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!"
EGW directly quotes John 1:47, making it a clear explicit allusion.
"It was enough. The divine Spirit that had borne witness to Nathanael in his solitary prayer under the fig tree now spoke to him in the words of Jesus. Though in doubt, and yielding somewhat to prejudice, Nathanael had come to Christ with an honest desire for truth, and now his desire was met. His faith went beyond that of the one who had brought him to Jesus. He answered and said, “Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel.” DA 140.4"
"Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel."
EGW directly quotes John 1:49, making it a clear explicit allusion.
"If Nathanael had trusted to the rabbis for guidance, he would never have found Jesus. It was by seeing and judging for himself that he became a disciple. So in the case of many today whom prejudice withholds from good. How different would be the result if they would “come and see”! DA 140.5"
"And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see."
The EGW passage directly quotes and builds upon Philip's invitation to Nathanael, "Come and see," found in John 1:46.