"A more able and forcible denunciation of the papal abuses could not have been presented by Luther himself; and the fact that the speaker was a determined enemy of the Reformer's gave greater influence to his words. GC 150.1 Had the eyes of the assembly been opened, they would have beheld angels of God in the midst of them, shedding beams of light athwart the darkness of error and opening minds and hearts to the reception of truth. It was the power of the God of truth and wisdom that controlled even the adversaries of the reformation, and thus prepared the way for the great work about to be accomplished. Martin Luther was not present; but the voice of One greater than Luther had been heard in that assembly. GC 150.2"
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."
Both passages describe situations where individuals (Peter and John in Acts, Duke George in EGW) spoke with unexpected boldness and power, leading observers to recognize a divine influence. The connection is valid, though not a direct allusion.
"A committee was at once appointed by the Diet to prepare an enumeration of the papal oppressions that weighed so heavily on the German people. This list, containing a hundred and one specifications, was presented to the emperor, with a request that he would take immediate measures for the correction of these abuses. “What a loss of Christian souls,” said the petitioners, “what depredations, what extortions, on account of the scandals by which the spiritual head of Christendom is surrounded! It is our duty to prevent the ruin and dishonor of our people. For this reason we most humbly but most urgently entreat you to order a general reformation, and to undertake its accomplishment.”— Ibid., b. 7, ch. 4. GC 150.3"
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess."
Both passages address the issue of corruption and abuses within religious leadership. The Diet's list of papal oppressions and their plea for reformation parallel Jesus's condemnation of the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy and extortion. Both highlight the discrepancy between outward appearance and inner corruption.
"The friends of Luther were terrified and distressed. Knowing the prejudice and enmity against him, they feared that even his safe-conduct would not be respected, and they entreated him not to imperil his life. He replied: “The papists do not desire my coming to Worms, but my condemnation and my death. It matters not. Pray not for me, but for the word of God.... Christ will give me His Spirit to overcome these ministers of error. I despise them during my life; I shall triumph over them by my death. They are busy at Worms about compelling me to retract; and this shall be my retraction: I said formerly that the pope was Christ's vicar; now I assert that he is our Lord's adversary, and the devil's apostle.”— Ibid., b. 7, ch. 6. GC 150.5"
"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Luther's statement reflects the principle in Matthew 10:28, which encourages believers not to fear those who can kill the body but to fear God. Luther's willingness to face death rather than compromise his beliefs aligns with this principle.
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Both passages reflect a willingness to face death for one's beliefs. Luther's statement, as quoted by EGW, echoes the sentiment in Philippians 1:21, where Paul expresses that 'to die is gain.' Both figures prioritize their faith and mission above their own lives.