"Jesus and His disciples had now come into one of the towns about Caesarea Philippi. They were beyond the limits of Galilee, in a region where idolatry prevailed. Here the disciples were withdrawn from the controlling influence of Judaism, and brought into closer contact with the heathen worship. Around them were represented forms of superstition that existed in all parts of the world. Jesus desired that a view of these things might lead them to feel their responsibility to the heathen. During His stay in this region, He endeavored to withdraw from teaching the people, and to devote Himself more fully to His disciples. DA 411.1"
"Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon."
Both passages refer to Jesus going to the region of Tyre and Sidon. EGW elaborates on the context of idolatry, which is not explicitly stated in Matthew 15:21 but is a reasonable inference given the location.
"And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid."
Similar to Pair 1, both passages refer to Jesus going to the region of Tyre and Sidon. EGW provides additional context and interpretation.
"He was about to tell them of the suffering that awaited Him. But first He went away alone, and prayed that their hearts might be prepared to receive His words. Upon joining them, He did not at once communicate that which He desired to impart. Before doing this, He gave them an opportunity of confessing their faith in Him that they might be strengthened for the coming trial. He asked, “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” DA 411.2"
"And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?"
Both passages describe Jesus praying and then asking his disciples who people say he is. EGW adds details about Jesus preparing the disciples' hearts, which is a reasonable interpretation of the event.
"Sadly the disciples were forced to acknowledge that Israel had failed to recognize their Messiah. Some indeed, when they saw His miracles, had declared Him to be the Son of David. The multitudes that had been fed at Bethsaida had desired to proclaim Him king of Israel. Many were ready to accept Him as a prophet; but they did not believe Him to be the Messiah. DA 411.3"
"When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone."
Both passages refer to the people's desire to make Jesus king, but their failure to fully accept Him as the Messiah. The EGW passage provides a broader context of Israel's rejection, while John 6:15 specifically mentions the attempt to take Jesus by force. The connection is clear and relevant.
"Jesus now put a second question, relating to the disciples themselves: “But whom say ye that I am?” Peter answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” DA 411.4"
"He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
EGW directly quotes Matthew 16:15-16.
"From the first, Peter had believed Jesus to be the Messiah. Many others who had been convicted by the preaching of John the Baptist, and had accepted Christ, began to doubt as to John's mission when he was imprisoned and put to death; and they now doubted that Jesus was the Messiah, for whom they had looked so long. Many of the disciples who had ardently expected Jesus to take His place on David's throne left Him when they perceived that He had no such intention. But Peter and his companions turned not from their allegiance. The vacillating course of those who praised yesterday and condemned today did not destroy the faith of the true follower of the Saviour. Peter declared, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” He waited not for kingly honors to crown his Lord, but accepted Him in His humiliation. DA 411.5"
"From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him."
Both passages discuss disciples turning away from Jesus due to disappointment or hardship. EGW elaborates on the reasons for doubt and defection, providing context to the event described in John 6:66.