To have made known the object of their mission would have ensured its defeat; therefore they carefully concealed their real character. Every minister possessed a knowledge of some trade or profession, and the missionaries prosecuted their work under cover of a secular calling. Usually they chose that of merchant or peddler. “They carried silks, jewelry, and other articles, at that time not easily purchasable save at distant marts; and they were welcomed as merchants where they would have been spurned as missionaries.”—Wylie, b. 1, ch. 7. All the while their hearts were uplifted to God for wisdom to present a treasure more precious than gold or gems. They secretly carried about with them copies of the Bible, in whole or in part; and whenever an opportunity was presented, they called the attention of their customers to these manuscripts. Often an interest to read God's word was thus awakened, and some portion was gladly left with those who desired to receive it. GC 71.1 The work of these…
"To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."
Both passages describe adapting to different groups of people in order to share a message or achieve a goal. The EGW passage describes missionaries concealing their true purpose to gain access, while the Bible verse speaks of becoming like others to win them over.