"Some ministers are deficient in the qualifications necessary to build up the churches, and they are not willing to wear in the cause of God. They should have a disposition to give themselves wholly to the work, with their interest undivided, their zeal unabated, their patience and perseverance untiring. With these qualifications in lively exercise, the churches would be kept in order. LS 195.1"
"A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;"
The EGW passage echoes the qualifications and dedication expected of ministers as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:2. Both emphasize the importance of being qualified, dedicated, and focused on the work of God.
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."
The EGW passage emphasizes the need for ministers to be wholly dedicated, zealous, patient, and persevering, which aligns with Paul's exhortation to Timothy to 'preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.' Both passages stress the importance of unwavering commitment to ministry.
"God had cautioned and warned my husband in regard to the preservation of his strength. I was shown that he had been raised up by the Lord, and that he was living as a miracle of mercy—not for the purpose of again gathering upon him the burdens under which he once fell, but that the people of God might be benefited by his experience in advancing the general interests of the cause, and in connection with the work the Lord has given me, and the burden He has laid upon me to bear. LS 195.2"
"Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."
Both passages discuss how one's personal experiences of God's grace and comfort can enable them to minister to others. The EGW passage speaks of her husband's recovery and how his experience could benefit others, while 2 Corinthians 1:4 speaks of being comforted in tribulation so that one can comfort others.
"During the years that followed the recovery of my husband, the Lord opened before us a vast field of labor. Though I took the stand as a speaker timidly at first, yet as the providence of God opened the way before me, I had confidence to stand before large audiences. Together we attended our camp meetings and other large gatherings, from Maine to Dakota, from Michigan to Texas and California. LS 195.3"
"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."
Both passages describe the expansion of ministry and spreading the message of God to different regions. The EGW passage describes her and her husband's travels across the United States, while Acts 1:8 speaks of being witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.
"The work begun in feebleness and obscurity has continued to increase and strengthen. Publishing houses and missions in many lands attest its growth. In place of the edition of our first paper carried to the post office in a carpetbag, many hundreds of thousands of copies of our various periodicals are now sent out monthly from the offices of publication. The hand of God has been with His work to prosper and build it up. LS 195.4"
"For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth."
The EGW passage describes the growth of a work from small beginnings, which directly echoes the sentiment of Zechariah 4:10 regarding not despising the day of small things. The connection is clear and meaningful.
"Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."
The EGW passage speaks of God's hand in prospering and building up the work, which aligns with the principle in Psalm 127:1 that without God's involvement, labor is in vain. The connection is a fundamental principle of reliance on God.