"Hamilton and Wishart, princely in character as in birth, with a long line of humbler disciples, yielded up their lives at the stake. But from the burning pile of Wishart there came one whom the flames were not to silence, one who under God was to strike the death knell of popery in Scotland. GC 250.1"
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."
The EGW passage describes Wishart's death leading to the rise of John Knox, mirroring the concept of a seed dying to produce fruit in John 12:24. The connection is a valid thematic parallel.
"John Knox had turned away from the traditions and mysticisms of the church, to feed upon the truths of God's word; and the teaching of Wishart had confirmed his determination to forsake the communion of Rome and join himself to the persecuted Reformers. GC 250.2"
"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
EGW states Knox turned to the truths of God's word, which directly reflects the principle in Matthew 4:4 that man should live by every word of God. The connection is clear and supports the original assessment.
"accepted the position, he pressed forward with inflexible determination and undaunted courage as long as life continued. This truehearted Reformer feared not the face of man. The fires of martyrdom, blazing around him, served only to quicken his zeal to greater intensity. With the tyrant's ax held menacingly over his head, he stood his ground, striking sturdy blows on the right hand and on the left to demolish idolatry. GC 250.3"
"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 highlight the boldness and courage of individuals (Knox and Peter/John) in the face of opposition. While the specific circumstances differ, the underlying theme of unwavering conviction is present in both.
"When brought face to face with the queen of Scotland, in whose presence the zeal of many a leader of the Protestants had abated, John Knox bore unswerving witness for the truth. He was not to be won by caresses; he quailed not before threats. The queen charged him with heresy. He had taught the people to receive a religion prohibited by the state, she declared, and had thus transgressed God's command enjoining subjects to obey their princes. Knox answered firmly: GC 250.4"
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
Knox's response to the Queen of Scotland directly embodies the principle stated in Acts 5:29: obeying God rather than men. The connection is explicit and strong.