"These persecutions, beginning under Nero about the time of the martyrdom of Paul, continued with greater or less fury for centuries. Christians were falsely accused of the most dreadful crimes and declared to be the cause of great calamities—famine, pestilence, and earthquake. As they became the objects of popular hatred and suspicion, informers stood ready, for the sake of gain, to betray the innocent. They were condemned as rebels against the empire, as foes of religion, and pests to society. Great numbers were thrown to wild beasts or burned alive in the amphitheaters. Some were crucified; others were covered with the skins of wild animals and thrust into the arena to be torn by dogs. Their punishment was often made the chief entertainment at public fetes. Vast multitudes assembled to enjoy the sight and greeted their dying agonies with laughter and applause. GC 40.1"
"And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;"
Both passages describe the suffering and persecution of believers, including specific details like torture and societal rejection. EGW's passage provides a more detailed historical context, but the core theme of persecution aligns strongly with Hebrews 11:36-37.
"Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
Both passages address the theme of persecution and suffering endured by Christians. Revelation 2:10 speaks of imprisonment and tribulation, while the EGW passage describes various forms of persecution. Both encourage faithfulness in the face of suffering.
"Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf."
The EGW passage describes the suffering of Christians, while 1 Peter 4:16 encourages them not to be ashamed of suffering as a Christian but to glorify God. The principle of glorifying God even in suffering is present in both.
"Wherever they sought refuge, the followers of Christ were hunted like beasts of prey. They were forced to seek concealment in desolate and solitary places. “Destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” Verses 37, 38 . The catacombs afforded shelter for thousands. Beneath the hills outside the city of Rome, long galleries had been tunneled through earth and rock; the dark and intricate network of passages extended for miles beyond the city walls. In these underground retreats the followers of Christ buried their dead; and here also, when suspected and proscribed, they found a home. When the Life-giver shall awaken those who have fought the good fight, many a martyr for Christ's sake will come forth from those gloomy caverns. GC 40.2"
"(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth."
The EGW passage directly quotes Hebrews 11:38 and uses it to describe the situation of early Christians seeking refuge in desolate places. This is a clear and intentional reference.