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1 Corinthians 3:6

1 Corinthians 3:6 in Multiple Translations

I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

I did the planting, Apollos did the watering, but God gave the increase.

I did the planting, Apollos did the watering—but it was God who made you grow!

I haue planted, Apollos watred, but God gaue the increase.

I planted, Apollos watered, but God was giving growth;

I planted. Apollos watered. But God gave the increase.

I have planted, Apollos watered: but God hath given the increase.

I have planted, Apollo watered, but God gave the increase.

I was the first one who preached God’s message to you. I was like [MET] someone who plants seeds. Later, Apollos taught you more of God’s message. That was like [MET] someone who waters plants after they start to grow. But it is God who enables people to grow spiritually, just like he is the one who causes plants to grow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 3:6

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1 Corinthians 3:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK εγω εφυτευσα απολλως εποτισεν αλλ ο θεος ηυξανεν
εγω egō G1473 I/we Pron-1NS
εφυτευσα phuteuō G5452 to plant Verb-AAI-1S
απολλως Apollōs G625 Apollos Noun-NSM
εποτισεν potizō G4222 to water Verb-AAI-3S
αλλ alla G235 but Conj
ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM
θεος theos G2316 God Noun-NSM
ηυξανεν auxanō G837 to grow Verb-IAI-3S
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 3:6

εγω egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1NS
This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.
Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.
εφυτευσα phuteuō G5452 "to plant" Verb-AAI-1S
To plant means to set something in the earth to grow, like a seed or a tree. Jesus and Paul used this word to describe spiritual growth and teaching.
Definition: φυτεύω (φυτόν, a plant, φύω), [in LXX chiefly for נָטַע, also for שָׁתַל, etc. ;] to plant: Luk.17:28, 1Co.3:6-8; with accusative, φυτείαν, Mat.15:13; ἀμπελῶνα, Mat.21:33, Mrk.12:1, Luk.20:9, 1Co.9:7; pass., before ἐν, Luk.13:6 17:6.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: plant See also: 1 Corinthians 3:6; Luke 17:6; Matthew 21:33.
απολλως Apollōs G625 "Apollos" Noun-NSM
Apollos was a Jewish Christian leader who is mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in 1 Corinthians and Acts, where he is described as a skilled speaker and evangelist.
Definition: Ἀπολλώς, -ώ, ὁ (perh. contr. from Ἀπολλώνιος, Act.18:24 D) Apollos: Act.18:24 19:1, 1Co.1:12 3:4-6 3:22 4:6 16:12, Tit.3:13.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: Apollos See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Corinthians 4:6; Titus 3:13.
εποτισεν potizō G4222 "to water" Verb-AAI-3S
To water means to give someone or something drink, like in Matthew 25:35 where Jesus says giving a cup of water is a kind act. It can also mean to nurture or care for something, as in 1 Corinthians 3:6-8.
Definition: ποτίζω (πότος), [in LXX chiefly for שָׁקָה hi. ;] to give to drink: with accusative of person(s), Mat.25:35, 37 25:42 27:48, Mrk.15:36, Luk.13:15, Rom.12:20; with dupl. accusative, Mat.10:42, Mrk.9:41; fig., γάλα, 1Co.3:2; ἐκ τ. οἴνου Rev.14:8; of plants, to water (Xen., Strab., al.; Gen.13:10), figuratively, 1Co.3:6-8 Metaphorical (cf. Isa.29:10 Sir.15:3), of the Spirit, 1Co.12:13.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: give (make) to drink, feed, water See also: 1 Corinthians 3:2; Mark 15:36; Revelation 14:8.
αλλ alla G235 "but" Conj
But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.
Definition: ἀλλά (ἀλλ᾽ usually bef. α and υ, often bef. ε and η, rarely bef. ο and ω, never bef. ι; Tdf., Pr., 93 f.; WH, App., 146), adversative particle, stronger than δέ; prop. neuter pl. of ἄλλος, used adverbially, with changed accent; hence prop. otherwise, on the other hand (cf. Rom.3:31); __1. opposing a previous negation, but: οὐ (μὴ) . . . ἀ., Mat.5:15, 17 Mrk.5:39, Jhn.7:16, al.; rhetorically subordinating but not entirely negativing what precedes, οὐ . . . ἀ., not so much . . . as, Mrk.9:37, Mat.10:20, Jhn.12:44, al.; with ellipse of the negation, Mat.11:7-9, Act.19:2, 1Co.3:6 6:11 7:7, 2Co.7:1, Gal.2:3, al.; in opposition to a foregoing pos. sentence, ἀ. οὐ, Mat.24:6, 1Co.10:23; οὐ μόνον . . . ἀ. καί, Jhn.5:18, Rom.1:32, al.; elliptically, after a negation, ἀ. ἵνα, Mrk.14:49, Jhn.1:8 9:3, al.; = εἰ μή (Bl., §77, 13; M, Pr., 241; but cf. WM, §iii, 10), Mat.20:23, Mrk.4:22. __2. Without previous negation, to express opposition, interruption, transition, etc., but: Jhn.16:20 12:27, Gal.2:14; before commands or requests, Act.10:20 26:16, Mat.9:18, Mrk.9:22, al.; to introduce an accessory idea, 2Co.7:11; in the apodosis after a condition or concession with εἰ, ἐάν, εἴπερ, yet, still, at least, Mrk.14:29, 1Co.9:2, 2Co.4:16, Col.2:5, al.; after μέν, Act.4:17, Rom.14:20, 1Co.14:17; giving emphasis to the following clause, ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, yea, etc., Jhn.16:2; so with neg., ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ, nay, nor yet, Luk.23:15. __3. Joined with other particles (a practice which increases in late writers; Simcox, LNT, 166), ἀ. γε, yet at least, Luk.24:21, 1Co.9:2; ἄ ἤ., save only, except, Luk.12:51, 2Co.1:13; ἀ. μὲν οὖν, Php.3:8 (on this usage, see MM, VGT, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Peter 1:15.
ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
θεος theos G2316 "God" Noun-NSM
This word simply means God, referring to the one true deity. It is used throughout the New Testament, including in Matthew 27:46 and Acts 14:11, to describe the supreme being and creator of the universe.
Definition: θεός, -οῦ, ὁ, ἡ (Act.19:37 only; see M, Pr., 60, 244), late voc., θεέ (Mat.27:46; cf. Deu.3:24, al.), [in LXX chiefly for אֱלֹהִים, also for אֵל and other cognate forms, יהוה, etc. ;] a god or deity, God. __1. In polytheistic sense, a god or deity: Act.28:6, 1Co.8:4, 2Th.2:4, al.; pl., Ac. 14:11 19:26, Gal.4:8, al. __2. Of the one true God; __(a) anarthrous: Mat.6:24, Luk.20:38, al.; esp. with prep. (Kühner 3, iii, 605), ἀπὸ θ., Jhn.3:2; ἐκ, Act.5:39, 2Co.5:1, Php.3:9; ὑπό, Rom.13:1; παρὰ θεοῦ, Jhn.1:6; παρὰ θεῷ, 2Th.1:6, 1Pe.2:4; κατὰ θεόν, Rom.8:27, 2Co.7:9, 10; also when in genitive dependent on an anarth. noun (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.27:43, Luk.3:2, Rom.1:17, 1Th.2:13; as pred., Lk 20:38, Jhn.1:1, and when the nature and character rather than the person of God is meant, Act.5:29, Gal.2:6, al. (M, Th., 14); __(b) more freq., with art.: Mat.1:23, Mrk.2:7, al. mult.; with prep., ἀπὸ τ. θ., Luk.1:26; ἐκ, Jhn.8:42, al.; παρὰ τοῦ θ., Jhn.8:40; π. τῷ θ., Rom.9:14; ἐν, Col.3:3; ἐπὶ τῷ θ., Luk.1:47; ἐπὶ τὸν θ., Act.15:19; εἰς τ. θ., Act.24:15; πρὸς τ. θ., Jhn.1:2; with genitive of person(s), Mat.22:32, Mrk.12:26, 27, Luk.20:37, Jhn.20:17, al.; ὁ θ. μου, Rom.1:8, Php 1:3, al.; ὁ θ. καὶ πατήρ κ. τ. λ., Rom.15:6, Eph.1:3, Phi 4:20, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Rom.15:5, 13, 33, 2Co.1:3, 1Th.5:23; τὰ τ. θεοῦ, Mat.16:23, Mrk.12:17, 1Co.2:11; τὰ πρὸς τὸν θ., Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; τ. θεῷ, as a superl. (LXX, Jos.3:3), Act.7:20, 2Co.10:4; Hebraistically, of judges (Psa.81(82):6), Jhn.10:34" (LXX), 35. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1170 NT verses. KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 John 4:2; 1 Peter 1:2.
ηυξανεν auxanō G837 "to grow" Verb-IAI-3S
To grow means to get bigger or increase, like a plant growing in Matthew 13:32 or a person's faith growing in 2 Corinthians 10:15.
Definition: αὐξάνω (and the earlier form αὔξω, Eph.2:21, Col.2:19; MM, see word), [in LXX chiefly for פָּרָה ;] __1. trans., to make to grow: 1Co.3:6-7, 2Co.9:10. Pass., to grow, increase, become greater: Mat.13:32, Mrk.4:8, 2Co.10:15, Col.1:6; τῇ ἐπιγνώσει τ. θεοῦ, Col.1:10; εἰς σωτηρίαν, 1Pe.2:2. __2. In later Gk. (but nowhere in LXX), intrans., to grow, increase: of plants, Mat.6:28, Luk.12:27 13:19; of infants, Luk.1:80 2:40; of a multitude, Act.7:17; of the increase of the Gospel: ὁ λόγος ηὔξανε, Act.6:7 12:24 19:20; of Christ as a leader, Jhn.3:30; of Christian character: εἰς Χριοτόν, Eph.4:15; εἰς ναόν, Eph.2:21; ἐν χάριτι, 2Pe.3:18; τὴν αὔξησιν τ. θεσῦ, Col.2:19 (cf. συν, ὑπερ-αυξάνω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: grow (up), (give the) increase See also: 1 Corinthians 3:6; Colossians 1:10; 1 Peter 2:2.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 3:6

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Corinthians 3:9–10 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds.
2 Proverbs 11:25 A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
3 2 Corinthians 10:14–15 We are not overstepping our bounds, as if we had not come to you. Indeed, we were the first to reach you with the gospel of Christ. Neither do we boast beyond our limits in the labors of others. But we hope that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you will greatly increase as well,
4 1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you yourselves not my workmanship in the Lord?
5 Acts 18:4–11 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks alike. And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” So Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titus Justus, a worshiper of God. Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his whole household believed in the Lord. And many of the Corinthians who heard the message believed and were baptized. One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.” So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching the word of God among the Corinthians.
6 1 Corinthians 1:30 It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.
7 Acts 19:1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the interior and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples
8 Isaiah 55:10–11 For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.
9 Psalms 92:13–15 Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain, to proclaim, “The LORD is upright; He is my Rock, and in Him there is no unrighteousness.”
10 1 Corinthians 4:14–15 I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

1 Corinthians 3:6 Summary

In 1 Corinthians 3:6, the Apostle Paul explains that he and Apollos had different roles in the Corinthian church, with Paul planting the seed of the Gospel and Apollos watering it, but it was God who made it grow. This reminds us that our efforts in sharing the Gospel and nurturing believers are important, but ultimately, it is God who brings spiritual growth, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:7. Just like a farmer plants and waters a seed, but God makes it grow, we can trust God to bring growth in the lives of those around us, as encouraged in Psalm 127:1 and Matthew 13:3-9. By trusting in God's sovereignty and power, we can have confidence that our efforts will bear fruit, and we can pray and trust Him to bring the increase, as seen in Philippians 1:6.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'plant the seed' in 1 Corinthians 3:6?

In this context, 'planting the seed' refers to the initial sharing of the Gospel, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:5 where Paul and Apollos are described as servants through whom the Corinthians believed, similar to the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:3-9.

Who is Apollos and what role did he play in the Corinthian church?

Apollos is mentioned in Acts 18:24-28 as a learned and eloquent man who preached the Gospel in Corinth, and in 1 Corinthians 3:6, it is noted that he 'watered' the seed that Paul had planted, indicating his role in nurturing and teaching the believers.

What is the significance of God making the seed grow in 1 Corinthians 3:6?

The fact that God makes the seed grow emphasizes His sovereignty and role in the growth of the church, as also seen in 1 Corinthians 3:7, where it is stated that only God can make things grow, highlighting our dependence on Him for spiritual growth and development, similar to the concept in Romans 12:3 and Ephesians 4:16.

How does this verse relate to our role in ministry and evangelism?

This verse reminds us that our efforts in ministry and evangelism are not the primary cause of spiritual growth, but rather God is the one who brings growth, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:7, and our role is to be faithful servants, planting and watering, trusting God for the increase, as encouraged in Colossians 1:10 and 2 Timothy 2:6.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can 'plant seeds' of the Gospel in the lives of those around me, and how can I trust God to bring growth?
  2. How can I balance my desire to see spiritual growth in others with the understanding that ultimately, it is God who brings the increase?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God to bring growth, rather than relying on my own efforts?
  4. How does the concept of God making things grow impact my prayer life and my trust in His sovereignty?
  5. In what ways can I 'water' the seeds that have been planted in the lives of others, and how can I support and nurture their spiritual growth?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 3:6

I have planted,.... That is, ministerially; otherwise the planting of souls in Christ, and the implanting of grace in them, are things purely divine, and peculiar to God, and the power of his grace;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 3:6

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. I ... planted, Apollos watered (Acts 18:1; Acts 19:1).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:6

God honoured me first to preach the gospel amongst you, &c., and blessed my preaching to convert you unto Christ; then I left you: Apollos stayed behind, and he watered what I had planted, daily preaching amongst you; see ; he was a further means to build you up in faith and holiness; but God increased, or gave the increase, God gave the power by which you brought forth any fruit. The similitude is drawn from planters, whether husbandmen or gardeners; they plant, they water, but the growing, the budding, the bringing forth flowers or fruit by the plant, doth much more depend upon the soil in which it stands, the influence of heaven upon it, by the beams of the sun, and the drops of the dew and rain, and the internal virtue which the God of nature hath created in the plant, than upon the hand of him that planteth, or him who useth his watering pot to water it. So it is with souls; one minister is used for conversion, or the first changing of souls; another is used for edification, or further building up of souls; but both conversion and edification are infinitely more from the new heart and new nature, which God giveth to souls, and from the influence of the Sun of righteousness by the Spirit of grace, working in and upon the soul, than from any minister, who is but God’ s instrument in those works.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:6

6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. Ver. 6. But God gave the increase] The harp yields no sound till it be touched by the hand of the musician. The heart is never made good till the heavens answer the earth, Hosea 2:21, till God strikes the stroke. Holy Melancthon, being newly converted, thought it impossible for his hearers to withstand the evidence of the gospel. But soon after he complained that old Adam was too hard for young Melancthon. No man can run the point aright, except God give wind to his sails; as, if he speak the word, our words shall not be only like Peter’ s angle, which took a fish, but like Peter’ s net, which enclosed a multitude of fishes.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:6

(6) I have planted, Apollos watered.—By an image borrowed from the processes of agriculture the Apostle explains the relation in which his teaching stood to that of Apollos—and how all the results were from God. This indication of St. Paul having been the founder, and Apollos the subsequent instructor, of the Corinthian Church, is in complete harmony with what we read of the early history of that Church in Acts 18:27; Acts 19:1. After St. Paul had been at Corinth (Acts 18:1), Apollos, who had been taught by Aquila and Priscilla at Ephesus, came there and “helped them much which had already believed.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:6

Verse 6. I have planted] I first sowed the seed of the Gospel at Corinth, and in the region of Achaia. Apollos watered] Apollos came after me, and, by his preachings and exhortations, watered the seed which I had sowed; but God gave the increase. The seed has taken root, has sprung up, and borne much fruit; but this was by the especial blessing of God. As in the natural so in the spiritual world; it is by the especial blessing of God that the grain which is sown in the ground brings forth thirty, sixty, or a hundred fold: it is neither the sower nor the waterer that produces this strange and inexplicable multiplication; it is God alone. So it is by the particular agency of the Spirit of God that even good seed, sown in good ground, the purest doctrine conveyed to the honest heart, produces the salvation of the soul.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 3:6

5–23. Christian Ministers only labourers of more or less efficiency, the substantial work being God’s6. I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase] The Apostle would lead his converts to rise from the thought of those who had ministered the Gospel to them, to the thought of Him whom they ministered. Man does but obey the Divine command in his ministerial work, the results are God’s. See note on 1 Corinthians 3:9. It is to be observed that both here and in ch. 1 Corinthians 1:12, St Paul’s account of himself and Apollos is in precise agreement with that of St Luke in the Acts. In Acts 18 we read of the Church of Corinth being founded by St Paul. In the latter part of that chapter and in ch. Acts 19:1, we read of Apollos’ visit to Greece, and his stay at Corinth. The remark in this Epistle is a purely incidental one, but it coincides exactly with the history. St Paul founded the Church, Apollos ‘mightily convinced the Jews and that publicly,’ thus carrying on the work St Paul had begun. See Paley, Horae Paulinae, 1st Ep. to Corinthians 5, who points out the argument derivable from hence for the genuineness of both this Epistle and the Acts.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 3:6

I have planted - The apostle here compares the establishment of the church at Corinth to the planting of a vine, a tree, or of grain. The figure is taken from agriculture, and the meaning is obvious. Paul established the church.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:6

6. Planted—It was Paul’s pre-eminent gift to be a founder. His was the rare power, less conspicuous in Apollos and John, to convince the unbeliever, and create a new Church.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 3:6

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith (People God Uses) 01 the People Used by God by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that it is God who brings increase and success in our lives, not our own efforts. He shares how the Apostle Pau
Elliott Nesch The Real Roots of the Emergent Church Documentary by Elliott Nesch This sermon discusses the concept of the emergent church, likening it to the emergent growth in forestry or agriculture, symbolizing a small beginning with potential for significan
Ian Paisley Break Up Your Fallow Ground by Ian Paisley In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord in our lives. He highlights the lack of deep meditation on God's Word and the need for born-again preachi
Zac Poonen Through the Bible - 1 Corinthians - Part 1 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being faithful stewards of Christ. He highlights the need to do what God has specifically called us to do, rather than gett
Alden Gannett Studies in the Gospel of John 06 - Spirit as a Teacher by Alden Gannett The sermon transcript discusses the issue of being dull of hearing and the need for believers to continually grow in their understanding of God's word. The writer emphasizes the im
Carter Conlon The Glorious Ministration of the Spirit by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on Christ rather than being distracted by the charisma and self-promotion of human leaders. He warns against bein
John Dees A Prophet to the Nations (Jeremiah 1) by John Dees This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God, starting with acknowledging our sinfulness and need for a Savior. It highlights the process of breaking down false fou

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