"Many are deceived today in the same way as were the Jews. Religious teachers read the Bible in the light of their own understanding and traditions; and the people do not search the Scriptures for themselves, and judge for themselves as to what is truth; but they yield up their judgment, and commit their souls to their leaders. The preaching and teaching of His word is one of the means that God has ordained for diffusing light; but we must bring every man's teaching to the test of Scripture. Whoever will prayerfully study the Bible, desiring to know the truth, that he may obey it, will receive divine enlightenment. He will understand the Scriptures. “If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.” John 7:17 , R. V. DA 459.1"
"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."
Ellen White directly references John 7:17 in this passage.
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
Both passages emphasize the importance of individuals studying the Scriptures for themselves to discern truth, rather than blindly following religious leaders. The Acts passage provides an example of those who did so, while the EGW passage encourages the same practice.
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
Both passages advocate for testing or proving teachings and holding onto what is good or true. The EGW passage encourages testing teachings against Scripture, while 1 Thessalonians 5:21 provides a general principle of discernment.
"On the last day of the feast, the officers sent out by the priests and rulers to arrest Jesus, returned without Him. They were angrily questioned, “Why have ye not brought Him?” With solemn countenance they answered, “Never man spake like this Man.” DA 459.2"
"The officers answered, Never man spake like this man."
EGW directly quotes John 7:46.
"Hardened as were their hearts, they were melted by His words. While He was speaking in the temple court, they had lingered near, to catch something that might be turned against Him. But as they listened, the purpose for which they had been sent was forgotten. They stood as men entranced. Christ revealed Himself to their souls. They saw that which priests and rulers would not see,—humanity flooded with the glory of divinity. They returned, so filled with this thought, so impressed by His words, that to the inquiry, “Why have ye not brought Him?” they could only reply, “Never man spake like this Man.” DA 459.3"
"The officers answered, Never man spake like this man."
EGW directly quotes John 7:46.
"The priests and rulers, on first coming into the presence of Christ, had felt the same conviction. Their hearts were deeply moved, and the thought was forced upon them, “Never man spake like this Man.” But they had stifled the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Now, enraged that even the instruments of the law should be influenced by the hated Galilean, they cried, “Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on Him? But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.” DA 459.4"
"The officers answered, Never man spake like this man."
EGW directly quotes the Bible verse and provides context for the statement.
"Those to whom the message of truth is spoken seldom ask, “Is it true?” but, “By whom is it advocated?” Multitudes estimate it by the numbers who accept it; and the question is still asked, “Have any of the learned men or religious leaders believed?” Men are no more favorable to real godliness now than in the days of Christ. They are just as intently seeking earthly good, to the neglect of eternal riches; and it is not an argument against the truth, that large numbers are not ready to accept it, or that it is not received by the world's great men, or even by the religious leaders. DA 459.5"
"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:"
Both passages discuss the tendency for people to disregard truth if it isn't popular or accepted by the elite. EGW expands on the principle found in 1 Corinthians 1:26.
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
Both passages address the idea that the majority does not always follow the path of truth. EGW's statement that large numbers not accepting the truth is not an argument against it echoes the sentiment of Matthew 7:13-14.