"The Reformers whose protest has given us the name of Protestant, felt that God had called them to give the light of the gospel to the world; and in the effort to do this they were ready to sacrifice their possessions, their liberty, even life itself. In the face of persecution and death the gospel was proclaimed far and near. The word of God was carried to the people; and all classes, high and low, rich and poor, learned and ignorant, eagerly studied it for themselves. Are we, in this last conflict of the great controversy, as faithful to our trust as the early Reformers were to theirs? PK 627.1"
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
Both passages highlight the importance of obeying God's call despite opposition. The Acts verse is a specific instance of this principle, while the EGW passage applies it to the Reformers' commitment to spreading the gospel. The connection is thematic, focusing on prioritizing God's will over human authority.
"“Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children: ... let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare Thy people, O Lord, and give not Thine heritage to reproach.” “Turn ye even to Me with all your hearts, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil. Who knoweth if He will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind Him?” Joel 2:15-17, 12-14 . PK 627.2"
"And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil."
The EGW passage directly quotes Joel 2:15-17, 12-14, including Joel 2:13. This is a clear and direct allusion.
"Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:"
The EGW passage directly quotes Joel 2:15, making it an explicit allusion.
"Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:"
The EGW passage directly quotes Joel 2:12, making it an explicit allusion.
"Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?"
Ellen White directly references Joel 2:15-17 in this passage.