"In the closing events of the crucifixion day, fresh evidence was given of the fulfillment of prophecy, and new witness borne to Christ's divinity. When the darkness had lifted from the cross, and the Saviour's dying cry had been uttered, immediately another voice was heard, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God.” Matthew 27:54 . DA 770.1"
"Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God."
Ellen White directly references Matthew 27:54 in this passage.
"These words were said in no whispered tones. All eyes were turned to see whence they came. Who had spoken? It was the centurion, the Roman soldier. The divine patience of the Saviour, and His sudden death, with the cry of victory upon His lips, had impressed this heathen. In the bruised, broken body hanging upon the cross, the centurion recognized the form of the Son of God. He could not refrain from confessing his faith. Thus again evidence was given that our Redeemer was to see of the travail of His soul. Upon the very day of His death, three men, differing widely from one another, had declared their faith,—he who commanded the Roman guard, he who bore the cross of the Saviour, and he who died upon the cross at His side. DA 770.2"
"Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God."
The EGW passage directly references and expands upon the account of the centurion's declaration in Matthew 27:54. It provides additional details and insights into the centurion's motivations and the significance of his statement.
"And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God."
The EGW passage directly references and expands upon the account of the centurion's declaration in Mark 15:39. It provides additional details and insights into the centurion's motivations and the significance of his statement.
"He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities."
The EGW passage connects the centurion's confession to the fulfillment of Isaiah 53:11, highlighting that even in death, Jesus saw the fruit of his suffering through the faith of others. The phrase 'see of the travail of his soul' is a direct quote.
"As evening drew on, an unearthly stillness hung over Calvary. The crowd dispersed, and many returned to Jerusalem greatly changed in spirit from what they had been in the morning. Many had flocked to the crucifixion from curiosity, and not from hatred toward Christ. Still they believed the accusations of the priests, and looked upon Christ as a malefactor. Under an unnatural excitement they had united with the mob in railing against Him. But when the earth was wrapped in blackness, and they stood accused by their own consciences, they felt guilty of a great wrong. No jest or mocking laughter was heard in the midst of that fearful gloom; and when it was lifted, they made their way to their homes in solemn silence. They were convinced that the charges of the priests were false, that Jesus was no pretender; and a few weeks later, when Peter preached upon the day of Pentecost, they were among the thousands who became converts to Christ. DA 770.3"
"And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned."
Both passages describe the reaction of the crowd after the crucifixion, specifically their remorse and change of heart. EGW expands on the brief statement in Luke, providing details about their conviction and subsequent conversion.
"enveloped the minds of the priests and rulers. At His birth the star had known Christ, and had guided the wise men to the manger where He lay. The heavenly hosts had known Him, and had sung His praise over the plains of Bethlehem. The sea had known His voice, and had obeyed His command. Disease and death had recognized His authority, and had yielded to Him their prey. The sun had known Him, and at the sight of His dying anguish, had hidden its face of light. The rocks had known Him, and had shivered into fragments at His cry. Inanimate nature had known Christ, and had borne witness to His divinity. But the priests and rulers of Israel knew not the Son of God. DA 770.4"
"Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."
The EGW passage references the star guiding the wise men, which is directly from Matthew 2:2. It's a clear thematic parallel.
"And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;"
The EGW passage references the rocks shiverning, which is directly from Matthew 27:51. It's a clear thematic parallel.
"And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm."
The EGW passage references the sea obeying Christ's command, which is exemplified in Matthew 8:26. It's a clear thematic parallel.