In sending forth His ministers our Saviour gave gifts unto men, for through them He communicates to the world the words of eternal life. This is the means which God has ordained for the perfecting of the saints in knowledge and true holiness. The work of Christ’s servants is not merely to preach the truth; they are to watch for souls as they that must render account to God. They are to reprove, rebuke, exhort with long-suffering and doctrine. {5T 237.4}

Ved at udsende sine tjenere skænkede vor Frelser menneskene gaver, for gennem dem meddeler han verden det evige livs ord. Dette er det middel, Gud har beskikket til de helliges fuldkomne beredelse i kundskab og sand hellighed. Kristi tjeneres gerning består ikke blot i at prædike sandheden; de skal våge over vore sjæle som dem, der skal gøre regnskab for Gud. De skal irettesætte, straffe, formane med al langmodighed og belæring.