"Thus the apostle magnified the grace and mercy of God, shown in the sacred trust committed to him as a minister of Christ. By God's abundant mercy he and his brethren had been sustained in difficulty, affliction, and danger. They had not modeled their faith and teaching to suit the desires of their hearers, nor kept back truths essential to salvation in order to make their teaching more attractive. They had presented the truth with simplicity and clearness, praying for the conviction and conversion of souls. And they had endeavored to bring their conduct into harmony with their teaching, that the truth presented might commend itself to every man's conscience. AA 330.1"
"For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God."
Both passages discuss the importance of declaring the whole truth and not withholding anything, even if it's unpopular. While not a direct quote, the theme is strongly echoed.
"For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!"
While the EGW passage doesn't directly quote 1 Corinthians 9:16, it echoes the sentiment of Paul's dedication to preaching the gospel despite hardship, and his sense of obligation. The emphasis on not tailoring the message to please hearers and presenting truth with simplicity aligns with the spirit of the verse. However, the connection is thematic rather than a direct allusion, and the confidence is slightly lowered because the EGW passage covers broader themes.
"“We have this treasure,” the apostle continued, “in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” God could have proclaimed His truth through sinless angels, but this is not His plan. He chooses human beings, men compassed with infirmity, as instruments in the working out of His designs. The priceless treasure is placed in earthen vessels. Through men His blessings are to be conveyed to the world. Through them His glory is to shine forth into the darkness of sin. In loving ministry they are to meet the sinful and the needy, and lead them to the cross. And in all their work they are to ascribe glory, honor, and praise to Him who is above all and over all. AA 330.2"
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."
EGW directly quotes 2 Corinthians 4:7 and expands on the metaphor of 'treasure in earthen vessels' to explain God's use of imperfect humans.
"down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” AA 330.3"
"Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body."
The EGW passage directly quotes 2 Corinthians 4:10.