"From the simple Bible account of how Jesus healed the sick, we may learn something about how to believe in Him for the forgiveness of sins. Let us turn to the story of the paralytic at Bethesda. The poor sufferer was helpless; he had not used his limbs for thirty-eight years. Yet Jesus bade him, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” The sick man might have said, “Lord, if Thou wilt make me whole, I will obey Thy word.” But, no, he believed Christ's word, believed that he was made whole, and he made the effort at once; he willed to walk, and he did walk. He acted on the word of Christ, and God gave the power. He was made whole. SC 50.1"
"Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk."
The EGW passage directly quotes Jesus' command to the paralytic, making this a clear explicit allusion.
"And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years."
The EGW passage directly references the man with the infirmity of 38 years at Bethesda. The verse is a key detail of the story being referenced.
"He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;"
The EGW passage emphasizes believing in Christ's word and acting on it, similar to Romans 4:20's emphasis on faith and not staggering at God's promise. Both passages highlight the importance of faith in God's promises despite outward circumstances.