"To Peter the words “Follow Me” were full of instruction. Not only for his death, but for every step of his life, was the lesson given. Hitherto Peter had been inclined to act independently. He had tried to plan for the work of God, instead of waiting to follow out God's plan. But he could gain nothing by rushing on before the Lord. Jesus bids him, “Follow Me.” Do not run ahead of Me. Then you will not have the hosts of Satan to meet alone. Let Me go before you, and you will not be overcome by the enemy. DA 816.1"
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
The EGW passage directly uses the phrase 'Follow Me' from Matthew 16:24 and expands on its meaning, applying it to Peter's life and emphasizing the importance of following God's plan rather than acting independently. This is a direct application of the principle found in the verse.
"As Peter walked beside Jesus, he saw that John was following. A desire came over him to know his future, and he “saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me.” Peter should have considered that his Lord would reveal to him all that it was best for him to know. It is the duty of everyone to follow Christ, without undue anxiety as to the work assigned to others. In saying of John, “If I will that he tarry till I come,” Jesus gave no assurance that this disciple should live until the Lord's second coming. He merely asserted His own supreme power, and that even if He should will this to be so, it would in no way affect Peter's work. The future of both John and Peter was in the hands of their Lord. Obedience in following Him was the duty required of each. DA 816.2"
"Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me."
The EGW passage directly quotes and interprets John 21:22, making it an explicit allusion. The context and interpretation are closely tied to the biblical text.
"But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another."
The EGW passage discusses Peter's concern for John's future and Jesus's response, emphasizing the importance of focusing on one's own duty to follow Christ. This aligns with the theme of Galatians 6:4, which encourages each person to focus on proving their own work rather than comparing themselves to others. The connection is thematic, focusing on individual responsibility.
"How many today are like Peter! They are interested in the affairs of others, and anxious to know their duty, while they are in danger of neglecting their own. It is our work to look to Christ and follow Him. We shall see mistakes in the lives of others, and defects in their character. Humanity is encompassed with infirmity. But in Christ we shall find perfection. Beholding Him, we shall become transformed. DA 816.3"
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
Both passages emphasize the transformative power of beholding Christ and becoming like Him. The EGW passage uses the concept of beholding Christ to address the issue of focusing on others' faults, while 2 Corinthians 3:18 speaks of a more general transformation. The connection is strong and meaningful.
"John lived to be very aged. He witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem, and the ruin of the stately temple,—a symbol of the final ruin of the world. To his latest days John closely followed his Lord. The burden of his testimony to the churches was, “Beloved, let us love one another;” “he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:7, 16 . DA 816.4"
"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."
The EGW passage directly quotes 1 John 4:7 and 4:16, explicitly connecting John's later ministry with the message of love. This is a clear and undeniable allusion.
"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him."
EGW directly quotes 1 John 4:7, 16.