"God's Witness N ot Silenced Here we see how hard the heart may become when obstinately set against the purposes of God. The foes of the church were determined to maintain their pride and power before the people. By the emperor's decree, John was banished to the Isle of Patmos, condemned, as he tells us, “for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” ( Revelation 1:9 ). But the enemies of Christ utterly failed in their purpose to silence His faithful witness. From his place of exile comes the apostle's voice, reaching even to the end of time, proclaiming the most thrilling truths ever presented to mortals. SL 71"
"I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."
Ellen White directly references Revelation 1:9 in this passage.
"The apostle presented his faith in a clear and convincing manner, with such simplicity and candor that his words had a powerful effect. His hearers were astonished at his wisdom and eloquence. But the more convincing his testimony, the deeper the hatred of those who opposed the truth. The emperor was filled with rage, and blasphemed the name of God and of Christ. He could not controvert the apostle's reasoning or match the power which attended the utterance of truth, and he determined to silence its faithful advocate. SL 71.1"
"And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake."
Both passages describe a situation where the wisdom and spirit of a Christian speaker are undeniable, yet the opposition intensifies as a result. The EGW passage describes John, while the Bible verse describes Stephen. The connection is strong.
"For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist."
The EGW passage illustrates the principle stated in Luke 21:15, where Jesus promises to give his followers wisdom that their adversaries cannot resist. The EGW passage describes John's wisdom and eloquence, which his opponents could not controvert.