"Is not the same thing repeated in our day? Are there not many, even religious leaders, who are hardening their hearts against the Holy Spirit, making it impossible for them to recognize the voice of God? Are they not rejecting the word of God, that they may keep their own traditions? DA 213.1"
"But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?"
Both passages address the issue of rejecting God's commandments in favor of human traditions. The EGW passage draws a parallel between the situation in Jesus' time and her own, highlighting the continued relevance of this issue.
"Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye."
Both passages discuss resisting the Holy Spirit. The EGW passage speaks of hardening hearts against the Holy Spirit, while Acts 7:51 directly accuses the listeners of resisting the Holy Ghost. The connection is thematic and relevant.
"had listened to the divine voice that spoke through their great leader, they would have recognized it in the teachings of Christ. Had they believed Moses, they would have believed Him of whom Moses wrote. DA 213.2"
"For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment and wording of John 5:46, making it a clear allusion.
"Jesus knew that the priests and rabbis were determined to take His life; yet He clearly explained to them His unity with the Father, and His relation to the world. They saw that their opposition to Him was without excuse, yet their murderous hatred was not quenched. Fear seized them as they witnessed the convincing power that attended His ministry; but they resisted His appeals, and locked themselves in darkness. DA 213.3"
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
Both passages discuss the rejection of Jesus despite the evidence presented in the scriptures. The EGW passage elaborates on the motives and actions of those who rejected Jesus, while John 5:39 highlights the scriptures as a testament to Him.
"They had signally failed to subvert the authority of Jesus or to alienate the respect and attention of the people, many of whom were convicted by His words. The rulers themselves had felt deep condemnation as He had pressed their guilt home upon their consciences; yet this only made them the more bitter against Him. They were determined to take His life. They sent messengers all over the country to warn the people against Jesus as an impostor. Spies were sent to watch Him, and report what He said and did. The precious Saviour was now most surely standing under the shadow of the cross. DA 213.4"
"Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation."
Both passages describe the growing opposition to Jesus from the religious leaders, their fear of his influence, and their plotting to eliminate him. The EGW passage provides a more detailed account of their actions.