In the presence of the Diet the king at last announced to the elector and his friends that the edict “was about to be drawn up in the form of an imperial decree,” and that “their only remaining course was to submit to the majority.” Having thus spoken, he withdrew from the assembly, giving the Reformers no opportunity for deliberation or reply. “To no purpose they sent a deputation entreating the king to return.” To their remonstrances he answered only: “It is a settled affair; submission is all that remains.”— Ibid., b. 13, ch. 5. GC 202.1 The imperial party were convinced that the Christian princes would adhere to the Holy Scriptures as superior to human doctrines and requirements; and they knew that wherever this principle was accepted, the papacy would eventually be overthrown. But, like thousands since their time, looking only “at the things which are seen,” they flattered themselves that the cause of the emperor and the pope was strong, and that of the Reformers weak. Had the Ref…
"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up."
Both passages involve individuals or groups standing firm in their faith against the demands of earthly rulers. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar's golden image parallels the princes' refusal to submit to the emperor's decree. Both demonstrate a commitment to God's law above human law.
"As Ferdinand had refused to regard their conscientious convictions, the princes decided not to heed his absence, but to bring their Protest before the national council without delay. A solemn declaration was therefore drawn up and presented to the Diet: GC 202.3"
"But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
The princes' decision to proceed with their protest despite Ferdinand's disapproval mirrors Peter and John's defiance of the authorities in Acts 4:19-20. Both instances highlight the importance of obeying God's will even when it conflicts with human authority.
"“We protest by these presents, before God, our only Creator, Preserver, Redeemer, and Saviour, and who will one day be our Judge, as well as before all men and all creatures, that we, for us and for our people, neither consent nor adhere in any manner whatsoever to the proposed decree, in anything that is contrary to God, to His holy word, to our right conscience, to the salvation of our souls.” GC 202.4"
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
The Protestant's protest in the EGW passage directly embodies the principle of obeying God rather than men, as stated in Acts 5:29.
"But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment and principle expressed in Acts 4:19, where obedience to God is prioritized over obedience to human commands that contradict God's will.