Already an interest had been awakened in the truths he taught; and the people flocked in great numbers to listen to his preaching. Many who had long since ceased to attend service were among his hearers. He began his ministry by opening the Gospels and reading and explaining to his hearers the inspired narrative of the life, teachings, and death of Christ. Here, as at Einsiedeln, he presented the word of God as the only infallible authority and the death of Christ as the only complete sacrifice. “It is to Christ,” he said, “that I desire to lead you—to Christ, the true source of salvation.”— Ibid., b. 8, ch. 6. Around the preacher crowded the people of all classes, from statesmen and scholars to the artisan and the peasant. With deep interest they listened to his words. He not only proclaimed the offer of a free salvation, but fearlessly rebuked the evils and corruptions of the times. Many returned from the cathedral praising God. “This man,” they said, “is a preacher of the truth. He …
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
Both passages emphasize the importance of scripture in understanding and finding salvation through Christ. Zwingli's ministry, as described by EGW, directly embodies the principle of searching the scriptures to find eternal life, as stated in John 5:39.
"set themselves to hinder his work and condemn his teachings. Many assailed him with gibes and sneers; others resorted to insolence and threats. But Zwingli bore all with patience, saying: “If we desire to gain over the wicked to Jesus Christ, we must shut our eyes against many things.”— Ibid., b. 8, ch. 6. GC 177.2"
"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."
Both passages deal with enduring persecution and insults for one's faith. The EGW passage describes Zwingli's response to opposition, while Matthew 5:11 is a general statement about the blessings of being persecuted for Christ's sake.