"The spirit which actuated those priests and rulers is still manifested by many who make a high profession of piety. They refuse to examine the testimony of the Scriptures concerning the special truths for this time. They point to their own numbers, wealth, and popularity, and look with contempt upon the advocates of truth as few, poor, and unpopular, having a faith that separates them from the world. GC 596.1"
"Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?"
Both passages highlight the rejection of Jesus (or His followers) by those in positions of power and influence, based on their own self-importance and disdain for those perceived as less significant. EGW draws a parallel between the priests and rulers of Jesus's time and those who reject truth in her own time.
"Christ foresaw that the undue assumption of authority indulged by the scribes and Pharisees would not cease with the dispersion of the Jews. He had a prophetic view of the work of exalting human authority to rule the conscience, which has been so terrible a curse to the church in all ages. And His fearful denunciations of the scribes and Pharisees, and His warnings to the people not to follow these blind leaders, were placed on record as an admonition to future generations. GC 596.2"
"Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."
EGW directly alludes to Matthew 15:14, referencing the 'blind leaders' and warning against following them. The connection is clear and intentional.
"The Roman Church reserves to the clergy the right to interpret the Scriptures. On the ground that ecclesiastics alone are competent to explain God's word, it is withheld from the common people. [See Appendix note for page 340.] Though the Reformation gave the Scriptures to all, yet the selfsame principle which was maintained by Rome prevents multitudes in Protestant churches from searching the Bible for themselves. They are taught to accept its teachings as interpreted by the church; and there are thousands who dare receive nothing, however plainly revealed in Scripture, that is contrary to their creed or the established teaching of their church. GC 596.3"
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
EGW contrasts the Roman Church's restriction of scripture interpretation with the Bereans' diligent study of scripture in Acts 17:11. While not a direct quote, the principle of individual scripture study versus reliance on religious authority is a clear thematic parallel.
keeping of their souls to the clergy. There are today thousands of professors of religion who can give no other reason for points of faith which they hold than that they were so instructed by their religious leaders. They pass by the Saviour's teachings almost unnoticed, and place implicit confidence in the words of the ministers. But are ministers infallible? How can we trust our souls to their guidance unless we know from God's word that they are light bearers? A lack of moral courage to step aside from the beaten track of the world leads many to follow in the steps of learned men; and by their reluctance to investigate for themselves, they are becoming hopelessly fastened in the chains of error. They see that the truth for this time is plainly brought to view in the Bible; and they feel the power of the Holy Spirit attending its proclamation; yet they allow the opposition of the clergy to turn them from the light. Though reason and conscience are convinced, these deluded souls dare …
"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
Both passages address the danger of blindly following religious leaders and prioritizing their teachings over the direct word of God. Matthew 15:9 condemns teaching the commandments of men as doctrines, which aligns with EGW's critique of those who rely solely on the instructions of their religious leaders.
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
Both passages highlight the importance of studying the scriptures for oneself. John 5:39 encourages searching the scriptures, while EGW criticizes those who rely solely on ministers and fail to investigate for themselves.