"The Education Most Essential for Gospel Workers There are Christian workers who have not received a collegiate education because it was impossible for them to secure this advantage, but God has given evidence that He has chosen them and ordained them to go forth and labor in His vineyard. He has made them effectual co-workers with Himself. They have a teachable spirit; they feel their dependence upon God; and the Holy Spirit is with them to help their infirmities. It quickens and energizes the mind, directs the thoughts, and aids in the presentation of truth. CT 509"
"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;"
Both passages highlight God's choice of those who may not be conventionally qualified (foolish, weak, uneducated) to accomplish His purposes. The EGW passage speaks of Christian workers without collegiate education, while 1 Corinthians speaks of God choosing the foolish and weak.
"When the laborer stands before the people to hold forth the words of life, there is heard in his voice the echo of the voice of Christ. It is evident that he walks with God, that he has been with Jesus and learned of Him. He has brought the truth into the inner sanctuary of the soul; it is to him a living reality; and he presents the truth in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. The people hear the joyful sound; God speaks to their hearts through the man consecrated to His service. CT 509.2"
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."
Both passages highlight the impact of being with Jesus on one's ability to minister effectively. Acts 4:13 notes the recognition that Peter and John had been with Jesus, while EGW speaks of the 'echo of the voice of Christ' and the evidence of walking with God.
"As the worker lifts up Jesus through the Spirit, he becomes really eloquent. He is earnest and sincere, and is beloved by those for whom he labors. What a sin would rest upon anyone who would listen to such a man merely to criticize, to notice bad grammar or incorrect pronunciation, and hold these errors up to ridicule! ... CT 509.3 The speaker who has not a thorough education may sometimes fall into errors of grammar or pronunciation; he may not employ the most eloquent expressions or the most beautiful imagery; but if he has himself eaten of the bread of life, if he has drunk of the fountain of life, he can feed hungry souls and give of the water of life to him that is athirst. His defects will be forgiven and forgotten. His hearers will not become weary or disgusted, but will thank God for the message of grace sent them through His servant. CT 509.4"
"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:"
Both passages address the importance of the Spirit's power in preaching, even if the speaker lacks eloquence or formal education. 1 Corinthians 2:4 emphasizes the demonstration of the Spirit, while EGW focuses on the speaker's ability to feed hungry souls despite imperfections.