"resumed his studies, repairing, after a time, to Basel. It was here that Zwingli first heard the gospel of God's free grace. Wittembach, a teacher of the ancient languages, had, while studying Greek and Hebrew, been led to the Holy Scriptures, and thus rays of divine light were shed into the minds of the students under his instruction. He declared that there was a truth more ancient, and of infinitely greater worth, than the theories taught by schoolmen and philosophers. This ancient truth was that the death of Christ is the sinner's only ransom. To Zwingli these words were as the first ray of light that precedes the dawn. GC 173.1"
"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
Both passages connect truth with freedom or enlightenment. Zwingli's experience of hearing the gospel and receiving 'divine light' parallels the idea of knowing the truth and being set free.
Zwingli was soon called from Basel to enter upon his lifework. His first field of labor was in an Alpine parish, not far distant from his native valley. Having received ordination as a priest, he “devoted himself with his whole soul to the search after divine truth; for he was well aware,” says a fellow Reformer, “how much he must know to whom the flock of Christ is entrusted.”—Wylie, b. 8, ch. 5. The more he searched the Scriptures, the clearer appeared the contrast between their truths and the heresies of Rome. He submitted himself to the Bible as the word of God, the only sufficient, infallible rule. He saw that it must be its own interpreter. He dared not attempt to explain Scripture to sustain a preconceived theory or doctrine, but held it his duty to learn what is its direct and obvious teaching. He sought to avail himself of every help to obtain a full and correct understanding of its meaning, and he invoked the aid of the Holy Spirit, which would, he declared, reveal it to all …
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
Both passages emphasize the importance of truth and the Word of God. EGW's passage directly states that Zwingli submitted himself to the Bible as the only infallible rule, aligning with the principle of sanctification through truth found in John 17:17.
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Both passages emphasize the importance of studying and understanding the word of God accurately. The EGW passage highlights Zwingli's dedication to searching the Scriptures and rightly understanding them, aligning with the principle of diligent study presented in 2 Timothy 2:15.
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
Both passages emphasize the importance of searching the scriptures to verify truth. Zwingli's actions, as described by EGW, mirror the actions of the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who diligently searched the scriptures to confirm the teachings they received.