"The Publishers. Section 1—Called With a Holy Calling “Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God.” In Christ's Stead GW 13 In every period of this earth's history, God has had His men of opportunity, to whom He has said, “Ye are My witnesses.” In every age there have been devout men, who gathered up the rays of light as they flashed upon their pathway, and who spoke to the people the words of God. Enoch, Noah, Moses, Daniel, and the long roll of patriarchs and prophets,—these were ministers of righteousness. They were not infallible; they were weak, erring men; but the Lord wrought through them as they gave themselves to His service. GW 13"
"But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves."
EGW directly quotes Isaiah 61:6, making it an explicit allusion.
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
EGW's statement that God has men of opportunity to be His witnesses aligns with Acts 1:8, where Jesus commissions his followers to be witnesses. The theme of being God's witnesses is present in both passages.
"Since His ascension, Christ the great Head of the church, has carried forward His work in the world by chosen ambassadors, through whom He speaks to the children of men, and ministers to their needs. The position of those who have been called of God to labor in word and doctrine for the upbuilding of His church, is one of grave responsibility. In Christ's stead they are to beseech men and women to be reconciled to God; and they can fulfil their mission only as they receive wisdom and power from above. GW 13.2"
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God."
EGW directly alludes to 2 Corinthians 5:20 by stating that ministers are in Christ's stead to beseech people to be reconciled to God, which is the core message of the verse.
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:"
Both passages discuss the role of leaders/ministers in the church and their connection to God. EGW elaborates on the responsibility and need for divine wisdom, while Ephesians 4:11-12 outlines the different roles within the church for edification.
"special care and protection. The sweet influences that are to be abundant in the church are bound up with these ministers of God, who are to represent the love of Christ. The stars of heaven are under God's control. He fills them with light. He guides and directs their movements. If He did not, they would become fallen stars. So with His ministers. They are but instruments in His hands, and all the good they accomplish is done through His power. GW 13.3"
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of dependence on God for effectiveness, as highlighted in John 15:5. The analogy of stars needing God's control to avoid becoming 'fallen stars' strongly reinforces the idea that ministers can do nothing without Christ.