"Yet there is a future joy to which Paul looked forward as the recompense of his labors—the same joy for the sake of which Christ endured the cross and despised the shame—the joy of seeing the fruition of his work. “What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?” he wrote to the Thessalonian converts. “Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20 . Ed 70.1"
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Both passages discuss the joy that motivated Jesus and Paul in their work. Hebrews 12:2 speaks of Jesus enduring the cross for the joy set before him, while the EGW passage connects this to Paul's joy in seeing the fruition of his labors, as expressed in 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20. The connection is thematic, highlighting the shared motivation of joy in service.
"Who can measure the results to the world of Paul's lifework? Of all those beneficent influences that alleviate suffering, that comfort sorrow, that restrain evil, that uplift life from the selfish and the sensual, and glorify it with the hope of immortality, how much is due to the labors of Paul and his fellow workers, as with the gospel of the Son of God they made their unnoticed journey from Asia to the shores of Europe? Ed 70.2"
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
Both passages highlight the transformative power of the gospel, particularly as preached by Paul. Romans 1:16 speaks of salvation, while the EGW passage details the effects of that salvation: alleviating suffering, comforting sorrow, etc. The connection is genuine and meaningful.