"charities. They proved their zeal for religion by making it the theme of discussion. Disputes between opposing sects were loud and long, and it was not unusual to hear on the streets the voice of angry controversy from learned doctors of the law. DA 261.1"
"He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,"
Both passages describe the negative consequences of engaging in religious disputes and controversies. The EGW passage speaks of 'angry controversy,' while 1 Timothy 6:4 lists 'envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings' as outcomes of such behavior.
"But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,"
Both passages address the issue of religious leaders performing acts for outward show and recognition rather than genuine piety. The EGW passage describes disputes and discussions used to display religious zeal, while Matthew 23:5 speaks of broadening phylacteries for the same purpose.
"In marked contrast to all this was the life of Jesus. In that life no noisy disputation, no ostentatious worship, no act to gain applause, was ever witnessed. Christ was hid in God, and God was revealed in the character of His Son. To this revelation Jesus desired the minds of the people to be directed, and their homage to be given. DA 261.2"
"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."
The phrase 'Christ was hid in God' in the EGW passage is a clear allusion to Colossians 3:3, 'your life is hid with Christ in God.' The EGW passage uses this concept to emphasize the importance of focusing on the divine nature of Christ rather than outward appearances.
"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."
Both passages contrast outward displays of religiosity with a more private and sincere approach. The EGW passage highlights Jesus' lack of 'noisy disputation' and 'ostentatious worship,' while Matthew 6:6 encourages private prayer.
"The Sun of Righteousness did not burst upon the world in splendor, to dazzle the senses with His glory. It is written of Christ, “His going forth is prepared as the morning.” Hosea 6:3 . Quietly and gently the daylight breaks upon the earth, dispelling the shadow of darkness, and waking the world to life. So did the Sun of Righteousness arise, “with healing in His wings.” Malachi 4:2 . DA 261.3"
"Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth."
EGW directly quotes Hosea 6:3 and applies it to Christ.
"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall."
EGW directly quotes Malachi 4:2 and applies it to Christ.
"And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."
While not a direct quote, the idea of light shining in darkness and dispelling it is a clear thematic parallel to John 1:5.