"Men deficient in school education, lowly in social position, have, through the grace of Christ, sometimes been wonderfully successful in winning souls for Him. The secret of their success was their confidence in God. They learned daily of Him who is wonderful in counsel and mighty in power. MH 151.1"
"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 effectiveness of 'unlearned and ignorant men' in ministry. The EGW passage speaks of men with limited education succeeding in winning souls, while Acts 4:13 describes the astonishment of others at the boldness and effectiveness of Peter and John, who were recognized as unlearned men. The parallel is strong.
"Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite."
Both passages highlight God's power and understanding. The EGW passage attributes success to confidence in God and learning from Him, who is described as 'wonderful in counsel and mighty in power,' aligning with the description of God's greatness and infinite understanding in Psalm 147:5.
"Such workers are to be encouraged. The Lord brings them into connection with those of more marked ability, to fill up the gaps that others leave. Their quickness to see what is to be done, their readiness to help those in need, their kind words and deeds, open doors of usefulness that otherwise would remain closed. They come close to those in trouble, and the persuasive influence of their words has power to draw many trembling souls to God. Their work shows what thousands of others might do, if they only would. MH 151.2"
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Both passages emphasize the importance of good works and actions as a way to glorify God and influence others. The EGW passage speaks of kind words and deeds opening doors of usefulness, while Matthew 5:16 encourages believers to let their light shine through good works. The thematic parallel is evident.
"Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
The EGW passage describes how some workers fill gaps and help those in need, which aligns with the principle of bearing one another's burdens as stated in Galatians 6:2. The connection is clear and supports the idea of mutual support and assistance within the Christian community.