"Christ read the priest's purpose as an open book. As if reading the inmost soul of His questioner, He denied that there was between Him and His followers any secret bond of union, or that He gathered them secretly and in the darkness to conceal His designs. He had no secrets in regard to His purposes or doctrines. “I spake openly to the world,” He answered; “I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.” DA 699.1"
"Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing."
EGW directly quotes John 18:20 and provides context for Jesus' statement.
"The Saviour contrasted His own manner of work with the methods of His accusers. For months they had hunted Him, striving to entrap Him and bring Him before a secret tribunal, where they might obtain by perjury what it was impossible to gain by fair means. Now they were carrying out their purpose. The midnight seizure by a mob, the mockery and abuse before He was condemned, or even accused, was their manner of work, not His. Their action was in violation of the law. Their own rules declared that every man should be treated as innocent until proved guilty. By their own rules the priests stood condemned. DA 699.2"
"Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?"
EGW's passage describes the unjust trial of Jesus, highlighting the violation of legal principles. This aligns with the sentiment expressed in John 7:51, which questions the fairness of judging someone without a proper hearing. While not a direct quote, the underlying theme of justice and due process connects the two passages.
"Turning upon His questioner, Jesus said, “Why askest thou Me?” Had not the priests and rulers sent spies to watch His movements, and report His every word? Had not these been present at every gathering of the people, and carried to the priests information of all His sayings and doings? “Ask them which heard Me, what I have said unto them,” replied Jesus; “behold, they know what I said.” DA 699.3"
"Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said."
EGW directly quotes John 18:21 and provides context for Jesus' response to the high priest.