"These principles are dwelt upon at length in Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church. The apostle refers to “the ministers of Christ” as “stewards of the mysteries of God,” and of their work he declares: “It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet I am not hereby justified: but He that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 . AA 276.1"
"Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."
The EGW passage directly quotes 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 and explicitly references Paul's letter to the Corinthian church. This is a clear and undeniable explicit allusion.
"For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;"
Both passages discuss the role of a steward and the importance of faithfulness. While 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 is the primary focus of the EGW quote, Titus 1:7 reinforces the theme of stewardship and the qualities expected of those in leadership positions. The connection is thematic, as both passages highlight the responsibilities and expectations associated with being a steward of God's resources.
"It is not given to any human being to judge between the different servants of God. The Lord alone is the judge of man's work, and He will give to each his just reward. AA 276.2"
"Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand."
Both passages directly address the principle of not judging other servants of God. Romans 14:4 questions the authority of one person to judge another's servant, emphasizing that each individual is accountable to their own master (God). The EGW quote reinforces this principle, stating that only God is the judge of man's work. The connection is strong and directly supports the principle outlined in Romans.
"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."
Both passages emphasize God's role as the ultimate judge who rewards individuals based on their actions. The EGW passage expands on the idea of not judging fellow servants, while the Matthew verse provides the basis for the final judgment.
"The apostle, continuing, referred directly to the comparisons that had been made between his labors and those of Apollos: “These things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” Verses 6, 7 . AA 276.3"
"For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?"
The EGW passage directly quotes 1 Corinthians 4:7, making it a clear and explicit allusion.