"The Reformers were astonished and perplexed. This was such an element as they had never before encountered, and they knew not what course to pursue. Said Melanchthon: “There are indeed extraordinary spirits in these men; but what spirits? ... On the one hand, let us beware of quenching the Spirit of God, and on the other, of being led astray by the spirit of Satan.”— Ibid., b. 9, ch. 7. GC 187.2"
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
Both passages emphasize the need to discern between true and false spirits. The EGW passage quotes Melanchthon's concern about identifying the source of certain spirits, while 1 John 4:1 directly instructs believers to test the spirits.
"The fruit of the new teaching soon became apparent. The people were led to neglect the Bible or to cast it wholly aside. The schools were thrown into confusion. Students, spurning all restraint, abandoned their studies and withdrew from the university. The men who thought themselves competent to revive and control the work of the Reformation succeeded only in bringing it to the verge of ruin. The Romanists now regained their confidence and exclaimed exultingly: “One last struggle, and all will be ours.”— Ibid., b. 9, ch. 7. GC 187.3"
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not."
Both passages address the rise of false teachers and the destructive consequences of their teachings. 2 Peter warns of 'false teachers' bringing in 'damnable heresies,' while EGW describes the 'new teaching' leading to confusion and the near ruin of the Reformation. The thematic overlap is significant.
"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ."
Both passages discuss the perversion of the gospel and the turning away from true teachings. Galatians speaks of being moved to 'another gospel,' while EGW describes people neglecting the Bible due to new teachings. The connection is thematic, though not a direct quote or allusion.
"him so great perplexity and distress as he now experienced. From the professed friends of the Reformation had risen its worst enemies. The very truths which had brought him so great joy and consolation were being employed to stir up strife and create confusion in the church. GC 187.4"
"For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company."
Both passages highlight the pain and distress caused by betrayal from within one's own group. Psalms 55 speaks of a close friend turning against the speaker, while EGW describes Luther's distress at being opposed by 'professed friends of the Reformation.' The emotional and relational dynamic is strikingly similar.