"Then came the third scene of abuse and mockery, worse even than that received from the ignorant rabble. In the very presence of the priests and rulers, and with their sanction, this took place. Every feeling of sympathy or humanity had gone out of their hearts. If their arguments were weak, and failed to silence His voice, they had other weapons, such as in all ages have been used to silence heretics,—suffering, and violence, and death. DA 714.5 When the condemnation of Jesus was pronounced by the judges, a satanic fury took possession of the people. The roar of voices was like that of wild beasts. The crowd made a rush toward Jesus, crying, He is guilty, put Him to death! Had it not been for the Roman soldiers, Jesus would not have lived to be nailed to the cross of Calvary. He would have been torn in pieces before His judges, had not Roman authority interfered, and by force of arms restrained the violence of the mob. DA 715.1"
"Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:"
Both passages address the persecution of the righteous. The EGW passage speaks of the historical use of suffering, violence, and death against 'heretics,' while Acts 7:52 specifically mentions the persecution and killing of prophets. The connection lies in the broader theme of rejecting and persecuting those who speak truth.
"Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him."
The EGW passage describes the abuse and violence Jesus faced, which is thematically linked to John 19:1, where Pilate scourges Jesus. While the EGW passage is broader, the scourging is part of the overall scene of abuse.
"Heathen men were angry at the brutal treatment of one against whom nothing had been proved. The Roman officers declared that the Jews in pronouncing condemnation upon Jesus were infringing upon the Roman power, and that it was even against the Jewish law to condemn a man to death upon his own testimony. This intervention brought a momentary lull in the proceedings; but the Jewish leaders were dead alike to pity and to shame. DA 715.2"
"Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:"
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment in John 18:31 regarding the Jews' lack of authority to execute someone. The Roman officers' declaration aligns with Pilate's statement, and the Jewish law point is also present in both passages. This is more than a possible connection; it's a direct principle being illustrated.
"When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him."
Both passages deal with the injustice of Jesus' trial and the Roman authorities' awareness of his innocence. EGW amplifies the details of the Roman officers' perspective and the Jews' disregard for law.
"Priests and rulers forgot the dignity of their office, and abused the Son of God with foul epithets. They taunted Him with His parentage. They declared that His presumption in proclaiming Himself the Messiah made Him deserving of the most ignominious death. The most dissolute men engaged in infamous abuse of the Saviour. An old garment was thrown over His head, and His persecutors struck Him in the face, saying, “Prophesy unto us, Thou Christ, Who is he that smote Thee?” When the garment was removed, one poor wretch spat in His face. DA 715.3"
"Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,"
EGW's description of the spitting and striking of Jesus directly mirrors the events described in Matthew 26:67.
"The angels of God faithfully recorded every insulting look, word, and act against their beloved Commander. One day the base men who scorned and spat upon the calm, pale face of Christ will look upon it in its glory, shining brighter than the sun. DA 715.4"
"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen."
Both passages describe a future time when those who mistreated Jesus will see Him in glory. Revelation 1:7 speaks of 'every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him,' while EGW speaks of those who 'scorned and spat upon' Christ seeing His glorious face.