"Ministers should present the truth in a clear, simple manner. There are among their hearers many who need a plain explanation of the steps requisite in conversion. The great masses of the people are more ignorant on this point than is supposed. Among graduates from college, eloquent orators, able statesmen, men in high positions of trust, there are many who have given their powers to other matters, and have neglected the things of greatest importance. When such men form part of a congregation, the speaker often strains every power to preach an intellectual discourse, and fails to reveal Christ. He does not show that sin is the transgression of the law. He does not make plain the plan of salvation. That which would have touched the hearts of his hearers, would have been to point them to Christ dying to bring redemption within their reach. GW 170.1"
"For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified."
Both passages emphasize the centrality of Christ and the cross in preaching and teaching. EGW's passage critiques intellectual discourses that neglect the core message of salvation through Christ, echoing Paul's determination to focus on 'Jesus Christ, and him crucified.'
"***** Revivals —When the Lord works through human instrumentalities, when men are moved with power from on high, Satan leads his agents to cry, “Fanaticism!” and to warn people not to go to extremes. Let all be careful how they raise this cry; for though there is counterfeit coin, this does not lower the value of that which is genuine. Because there are spurious revivals and spurious conversions, it does not follow that all revivals are to be held in suspicion. Let us not show the contempt manifested by the Pharisees when they said, “This man receiveth sinners.” [ Luke 15:2 .] GW 170.2"
"And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them."
Ellen White directly references Luke 15:2 in this passage.
"There is enough in the life of Christ to teach us not to sneer at His work in the conversion of souls. The manifestation of God's renewing grace on sinful men causes angels to rejoice, but often this work has, through unbelief, been termed fanaticism, and the messenger through whom God has worked has been spoken of as having zeal that is not according to knowledge. GW 170.3"
"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."
The EGW passage directly references the joy of angels over the conversion of sinners, which is the central theme of Luke 15:10. The connection is clear and meaningful.
"And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad."
Both passages deal with the reaction to a message perceived as extreme or misguided. In Acts 26:24, Paul is accused of madness due to his learning, while EGW mentions the accusation of fanaticism against those involved in conversion. The common thread is the rejection of a message due to perceived excess or imbalance.