"When Wycliffe's attention was directed to the Scriptures, he entered upon their investigation with the same thoroughness which had enabled him to master the learning of the schools. Heretofore he had felt a great want, which neither his scholastic studies nor the teaching of the church could satisfy. In the word of God he found that which he had before sought in vain. Here he saw the plan of salvation revealed and Christ set forth as the only advocate for man. He gave himself to the service of Christ and determined to proclaim the truths he had discovered. GC 81.1"
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
John 5:39 encourages the study of scripture to find Christ. The EGW passage describes Wycliffe doing exactly that, finding Christ as the only advocate for man through scripture. This is a direct application of the principle in John 5:39.
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts."
Both passages describe a profound personal experience of finding joy and satisfaction in God's word. Jeremiah's experience is a direct, personal one, while Wycliffe's is mediated through his study of Scripture. The connection is thematic, not a direct quote or allusion.
Like after Reformers, Wycliffe did not, at the opening of his work, foresee whither it would lead him. He did not set himself deliberately in opposition to Rome. But devotion to truth could not but bring him in conflict with falsehood. The more clearly he discerned the errors of the papacy, the more earnestly he presented the teaching of the Bible. He saw that Rome had forsaken the word of God for human tradition; he fearlessly accused the priesthood of having banished the Scriptures, and demanded that the Bible be restored to the people and that its authority be again established in the church. He was an able and earnest teacher and an eloquent preacher, and his daily life was a demonstration of the truths he preached. His knowledge of the Scriptures, the force of his reasoning, the purity of his life, and his unbending courage and integrity won for him general esteem and confidence. Many of the people had become dissatisfied with their former faith as they saw the iniquity that preva…
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
Wycliffe's actions, as described in the EGW passage, exemplify the principle of obeying God rather than men, as he prioritized truth and biblical teaching over the traditions and authority of the papacy. This aligns directly with the principle expressed in Acts 5:29.
"But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?"
Both passages deal with challenging religious tradition with scripture. Wycliffe's actions directly address the issue of human tradition superseding God's commandments, echoing the sentiment in Matthew 15:3.
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein."
The EGW passage describes Wycliffe's gradual realization of the need for reform and his call to return to the Bible. This thematically parallels Jeremiah 6:16, which urges people to 'ask for the old paths' and 'walk therein.' Both passages emphasize a return to foundational truths after a period of deviation.