1 Corinthians 3:6
Verse
Context
God’s Fellow Workers
5What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role.6I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I . . . planted, Apollos watered-- (Act 18:1; Act 19:1). Apollos at his own desire (Act 18:27) was sent by the brethren to Corinth, and there followed up the work which Paul had begun. God gave the increase--that is, the growth (Co1 3:10; Act 18:27). "Believed through grace." Though ministers are nothing, and God all in all, yet God works by instruments, and promises the Holy Spirit in the faithful use of means. This is the dispensation of the Spirit, and ours is the ministry of the Spirit.
John Gill Bible Commentary
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; but his meaning is, that he was at Corinth, as in other places, the first that preached the Gospel to them; and was an instrument of the conversion of many souls, and of laying the foundation, and of raising and forming a Gospel church state, and of planting them in it; Apollos watered; he followed after, and his ministry was blessed for edification; he was a means of carrying on the superstructure, and of building up souls in faith and holiness, and of making them fruitful in every good word and work: each minister of the Gospel has his proper gifts, work, and usefulness; some are planters, others waterers; some are employed in hewing down the sturdy oaks, and others in squaring and fitting, and laying them in the building; some are "Boanergeses", sons of thunder, and are mostly useful in conviction and conversion; and others are "Barnabases", sons of consolation, who are chiefly made use of in comforting and edifying the saints: but God gave the increase: for as the gardener may put his plants into the earth, and water them when he has so done, but cannot cause them to grow, this is owing to a divine blessing; and as the husbandman tills his ground, casts the seed into it, and waits for the former and latter rain, but cannot cause it to spring up, or increase to perfection, this is done by a superior influence; so ministers of the Gospel plant and water, cast in the seed of the word, preach the Gospel, but all the success is from the Lord; God only causes it to spring up and grow; it is he that gives it its increasing, spreading, fructifying virtue and efficacy.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:6 I planted: See Acts 18:1-11. • Apollos watered: See Acts 18:27–19:1.
1 Corinthians 3:6
God’s Fellow Workers
5What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role.6I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(People God Uses) 01 the People Used by God
By Chuck Smith59K1:01:14People God Uses1CO 3:6In 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 Paul understood the danger of being used by God but then being put on the shelf if he did not keep his body under control. The speaker also highlights the significance of living a life that aligns with our words, as our words can be negated if our actions do not back them up. He contrasts the impact of smooth talkers with no lasting impact to a guest speaker who lacked proper grammar but had a powerful anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Break Up Your Fallow Ground
By Ian Paisley2.4K1:06:51RepentancePSA 51:10PRO 11:30HOS 10:12MAT 6:33LUK 8:111CO 3:6JAS 4:8In 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 preaching. The preacher encourages the audience to sow bountifully in their preaching and evangelism efforts, reminding them that if they sow sparingly, they will reap sparingly. He also discusses the challenges faced by Christians in speaking out against Allah and the Quran, emphasizing the need to awaken to the dark days before Jesus comes again. Overall, the sermon calls for a renewed commitment to seeking the Lord and finding what has been lost.
Through the Bible - 1 Corinthians - Part 1
By Zac Poonen2.2K56:39Through The Bible1CO 1:91CO 2:11CO 3:61CO 4:21CO 9:161CO 12:41CO 12:12In 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 getting caught up in various activities. The speaker encourages simplicity in preaching, emphasizing that the gospel is meant to be understood by all, including children and those with less education. He urges believers to focus on the work of evangelism and building the church, rather than getting caught up in committees and presentations. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of love and appreciation in our interactions with others, rather than criticism.
Studies in the Gospel of John 06 - Spirit as a Teacher
By Alden Gannett1.8K49:36TeacherJHN 16:8JHN 16:201CO 2:141CO 3:6COL 1:18HEB 5:11The 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 importance of keeping Jesus Christ central in all things and not getting caught up in tangents. The sermon also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and in guiding believers to understand and magnify Jesus Christ. The transcript concludes with a focus on Jesus' understanding of the disciples' frailty and his encouragement to them as he prepares to go to the cross and rise again.
The Glorious Ministration of the Spirit
By Carter Conlon1.8K47:17Holy SpiritMAT 6:331CO 1:181CO 2:41CO 2:161CO 3:62CO 3:32CO 3:5In 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 being drawn to those who seek to gain personal glory and take advantage of others. The preacher highlights the need to see beyond the veil and have a genuine encounter with God. He emphasizes that when we turn to the Lord, the veil is lifted, and we are able to see Christ clearly. The sermon concludes with the reminder that it is God who brings about transformation and growth, and it is through His presence that we experience true liberty and generosity.
16 Facets of the Word of God
By Keith Daniel81658:24Word Of GodJOB 7:6PSA 107:20PSA 119:81PSA 119:92PSA 119:162ISA 34:16LUK 24:27JHN 14:26ROM 15:41CO 2:141CO 3:6HEB 11:33In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a moment when they were in a restaurant filled with expensive and beautiful things. They noticed that in order to enter the restaurant, the wealthy had to push through all these luxurious items. However, the speaker's attention was drawn to a small sign that promised the power to see in the darkest circumstances. They emphasize that neglecting the power of the Holy Spirit is a dangerous sign of backsliding. The speaker warns against seeking joy and fulfillment in anything other than a relationship with God and His Word, as it will ultimately leave one empty and sorrowful. The sermon references Proverbs 4:13 to emphasize the importance of staying connected to God's Word.
Men Who Turned the World Upside Down
By Tim Conway6461:05:30ISA 40:31JHN 6:37ACT 17:61CO 3:6PHP 3:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of deep dependence on God, a willingness to die for the Gospel, and the call to proclaim the facts about Jesus Christ without the need for eloquence or human wisdom. It encourages believers to step out in faith, pray fervently, and trust in God's power to turn the world upside down through the proclamation of the Gospel.
The Church of Christ at Oberlin, Ohio
By Charles Finney0Pastoral CareSpiritual Growth1CO 3:6Charles Finney addresses the Church of Christ at Oberlin, Ohio, expressing his deep affection and concern for their spiritual growth while he is away in England. He shares the overwhelming work of grace he has witnessed, with many inquirers and conversions, despite facing challenges such as intemperance and resistance from the ministry. Finney contemplates resigning from his pastoral role to allow the church to find a pastor who can be present and fully dedicated to their needs. He emphasizes that his decision is motivated solely by the best interests of the church and encourages them to seek God's guidance in their next steps. Finney concludes with a heartfelt request for their prayers for him and his wife as they continue their ministry.
The Church Which Christ Builds
By J.C. Ryle0The True ChurchChrist as the FoundationISA 43:13MAT 5:11MAT 16:18JHN 1:12JHN 10:28JHN 14:27ROM 1:61CO 3:62PE 1:4REV 1:5J.C. Ryle emphasizes the significance of belonging to the true Church built upon Christ, which is not a physical structure but a spiritual body of true believers. He explains that this Church is founded on the revelation of Christ as the Savior and is sustained by the work of the Holy Spirit. Ryle warns against the dangers of false churches and encourages individuals to ensure their personal connection to Christ, as only those truly joined to Him will find salvation. He reassures that despite the trials and opposition faced by the Church, the gates of hell will not prevail against it, affirming the eternal security of believers. Ryle concludes with a call to live holy, courageous, and joyful lives as members of this Church on the rock.
Letters on Revivals--No. 27.
By Charles Finney0Role of EvangelistsChurch Responsibility1CO 3:6Charles Finney addresses the role of Evangelists in promoting revivals, cautioning that churches often mistakenly believe they cannot have a revival without them. He emphasizes that this reliance on Evangelists can lead to a lack of personal responsibility among church members and a diminished trust in God. Finney argues that churches should focus on their own spiritual preparation and the leadership of their pastors, rather than depending solely on Evangelists. He warns that this misplaced trust can ultimately harm the church and weaken the pastor's influence. Finney encourages churches to engage deeply in prayer and personal commitment to foster genuine revivals.
From the Introduction of Methodism Into the City of New York, in 1766,
By Nathan Bangs0PSA 127:1PRO 16:9ACT 2:471CO 3:6PHP 1:6HEB 10:24Nathan Bangs preaches about the humble beginnings of Methodism in New York in 1766, highlighting how the movement started without human foresight or elaborate plans, yet played a significant role in shaping the nation's history. The early Methodist society, led by Philip Embury, faced challenges but was revived by a zealous woman's call to preach, leading to the first Methodist sermon in America. The arrival of Captain Webb, an officer in the British army, further fueled the growth of Methodism, resulting in conversions and the need for a larger place of worship. Despite initial difficulties, the society persevered, purchased land, and built Wesley Chapel, the first Methodist meeting house in America in 1768.
From the Arrival of the First Missionaries in 1769 to the First Conference in 1773
By Nathan Bangs0PSA 96:3PRO 16:3ISA 6:8MAT 28:19ACT 1:8ROM 10:141CO 3:62TI 4:2Nathan Bangs preaches about the early missions in America from 1769 to 1773, highlighting the zeal and success of the first missionaries, such as Messrs. Boardman, Pillmore, and others, in spreading the gospel and forming societies in various states. The arrival of Francis Asbury and Richard Wright in 1771 marked a significant step in providing additional help for the growing work in America. Despite opposition from some clergy, the Methodist preachers, including Robert Williams and John King, persevered in their mission, leading to the establishment of new societies and the revival of religion in different regions. The itinerant labors of Mr. Asbury and the arrival of missionaries Rankin and Shadford in 1773 further fueled the spread of the gospel and the formation of Methodist societies across the country.
Pastorate in New York
By Frank Grenville Beardsley0PRO 16:3MAT 28:19ACT 1:81CO 3:6PHP 1:6Frank Grenville Beardsley preaches about Charles G. Finney's impactful ministry in New York City, where he faced challenges but successfully established the Chatham Street Chapel, transforming a former theatre into a church and leading numerous revival meetings. Finney's dedication to evangelism and his emphasis on reaching the ungodly resulted in many conversions and the establishment of several free churches in New York. Despite facing opposition and health challenges, Finney's commitment to spreading the Gospel and promoting revivals led to significant spiritual growth and the foundation of educational institutions like Oberlin College.
Finney as an Evangelist
By Frank Grenville Beardsley0PRO 11:30MAT 9:37ACT 8:5ROM 10:141CO 3:61TH 1:52TI 4:5JAS 5:16Frank Grenville Beardsley discusses the impact of evangelists like WHITEFIELD, the Wesleys, Dwight L. Moody, and B. Fay Mills in preparing the way for the modern evangelistic campaigns. He highlights the techniques and innovations introduced by these evangelists, such as union evangelistic campaigns, singing evangelists, and organized committees for effective revival planning. Beardsley contrasts the methods of Charles G. Finney, emphasizing Finney's focus on personal responsibility, the need for immediate repentance, and the effectiveness of preaching to convert souls. He explores Finney's teachings on human nature, sin, and the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing sinners to repentance.
The Harmony
By William Edwin Boardman0PSA 119:54PRO 9:10ACT 1:8ROM 7:7ROM 8:21CO 3:6PHP 1:6HEB 12:21PE 1:8REV 22:17William Edwin Boardman preaches about the cumulative progress and power of Christian experience, emphasizing the stages of conviction, submission, and sanctification driven by the motives of danger, duty, and delight. He illustrates how advancing in faith and obedience accumulates power and leads to a deeper relationship with God. Boardman uses examples of individuals like Leigh Richmond and Felix Neff to show how personal experiences of danger, duty, and delight in the Lord can transform one's witness for Jesus and impact others. The sermon highlights the importance of faith in Jesus as the key to experiencing the fullness of salvation and sanctification, leading to a life of joyful service and obedience.
The Jesus Family in Communist China - Part 7
By Dr. D. Vaughan Rees0ACT 20:281CO 3:62CO 3:5EPH 4:11PHP 2:3COL 1:181TH 1:81TI 3:15HEB 13:171PE 5:2Dr. D. Vaughan Rees preaches about the rise of indigenous church movements in China, initiated by foreign ladies like Miss Barbour and Miss Dillenbeck, leading to the establishment of independent Chinese churches. The sermon highlights the importance of indigenous churches being self-sustaining and free from foreign control, contrasting the indigenous church model with the centralized hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church. It emphasizes the resilience and unique characteristics of the indigenous Chinese churches in the face of Communist opposition and the need for missionaries to humbly support and empower local church leaders for true apostolic work.
Exposition on Psalm 67
By St. Augustine0PSA 66:1MAT 6:10MAT 6:12LUK 2:29JHN 15:11CO 3:6PHP 3:13St. Augustine preaches about the importance of confessing and praising God, emphasizing the blessings that come from both God blessing us and us blessing the Lord. He highlights the growth that occurs when God blesses us and when we bless the Lord, leading to mutual profit. St. Augustine also discusses the concept of God as the Husbandman who tills us for fruit, and the need for us to acknowledge God's work in our lives. He encourages believers to sing a new song in the way of Christ, confess to God with joy, and allow God to guide them on the straight path.
The Word Must Precede the Work
By Oswald Chambers0MAT 6:6LUK 17:21JHN 18:361CO 3:6COL 2:7Oswald Chambers preaches about the danger of being consumed by worldly systems that prioritize endless activities over cultivating a private life with God. He emphasizes the importance of the hidden, inner relationship with God, rather than public displays of busyness. Chambers urges Christians to rid themselves of the spirit of the religious age and focus on soaking in the fundamental truths of God's Redemption to remain steadfast in faith when faced with unexpected challenges.
Intercession
By Norman Grubb0JHN 4:351CO 3:6GAL 5:22GAL 6:9Norman Grubb emphasizes the manifestation of victory through Jesus Christ's work on Calvary, urging the congregation not to delay their own spiritual harvest by expecting future generations to reap what they sow. Drawing inspiration from Jesus' interactions with the adulterous woman and the woman of Samaria, Grubb highlights the importance of recognizing the present harvest opportunities through faith and immediate action, rather than waiting for a distant future. He stresses the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for service and producing holiness within them, going beyond mere seed scattering to active reaping of God's blessings.
June 1. 1678. the Fire-Seed.
By Jane Lead0MRK 4:26JHN 4:371CO 3:62CO 9:10GAL 6:9Jane Lead shares a vision of a gate opening to reveal the perfect growth and flourishing state of all plants in various appearances and colors. She and another person are eager to enter but are told by the Spirit that there is more to spring up in this hidden region. The message is given that the Sower and the Reaper will rejoice together in God's harvest day. Jane Lead sees scattered fire-sparks buried in the ground, symbolizing the Spirit's ongoing sowing time that will produce infinite and various powers.
The Success of the Ministry of the Gospel, Owing to a Divine Influence
By Samuel Davies0ISA 2:22MAT 11:28JHN 6:44ROM 9:161CO 3:6Samuel Davies preaches about the essential role of divine influence in the success of the ministry of the gospel, emphasizing that the glory of God's name is the ultimate purpose of all works. He explains that while ministers plant and water the seed of the Word, it is God alone who gives the increase through His superintending influence. Davies highlights the necessity of divine grace in converting sinners and nurturing believers, pointing out that without God's agency, all human efforts are in vain. He urges both ministers and congregants to humbly depend on God's grace for the effectiveness of the gospel, cautioning against trusting in man or external means without divine influence.
John Calvin
By J.C. Philpot0PRO 16:91CO 3:6EPH 4:112TI 4:2HEB 13:17J.C. Philpot reflects on the lives and works of two prominent figures of the Reformation, Martin Luther and John Calvin, highlighting their differences in temperament, approach, and impact. Luther is portrayed as bold, fiery, and action-oriented, while Calvin is depicted as a deep thinker, theologian, and systematic writer. Despite their contrasting styles, both men were powerful intellects, faithful servants of God, and instrumental in the spread of the Reformation. Calvin's return to Geneva after exile is described as a triumph of truth over error, leading to a period of significant influence and impact on the city.
John 4:25-38. the Spiritual Harvest.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 126:5JHN 4:25JHN 4:361CO 3:6GAL 6:91TH 2:19HEB 4:13Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well, highlighting her transformation from ignorance to belief in Him as the Messiah, and her eagerness to share the good news with others despite her past sins being exposed. Jesus, in His love and compassion, reveals Himself to her, showing that He knows all things about her. He emphasizes the importance of sowing the seeds of the gospel, even if we may not see immediate results, as God appoints some to sow and others to reap, ensuring that our labor in sharing His word is never in vain.
Mark 4:21-29. Jesus Encourages His Disciples to Communicate the Word.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0MAT 5:15MRK 4:22MRK 4:261CO 3:6GAL 6:9JAS 5:71PE 1:231JN 2:5REV 22:12Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the importance of sharing the light of God's truth with others, emphasizing the need to proclaim the secret communications of the Lord rather than concealing them. Jesus encourages his disciples to sow the seed of the word, reminding them that the growth and success of the seed ultimately depend on God. Ministers are urged to be patient in sowing the word, knowing that the harvest may not be immediate but will bring joy in due time. The process of spiritual growth is compared to the growth of a plant, with the assurance that those who sow the word will reap heavenly rewards.
"Till We All Come"
By Chip Brogden0MAT 28:191CO 3:6EPH 4:11EPH 4:13COL 1:281TI 4:152TI 2:2HEB 5:121PE 5:1Chip Brogden emphasizes the importance of the ministry gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers in the Church today, highlighting their role in perfecting the saints, the work of the ministry, and the edifying of the body of Christ. He stresses the need for a relational Christianity where Christ is the Head of His Church, and all believers function as a priesthood within a community. Brogden explains that these ministry functions will continue until all believers reach unity in faith, full-knowledge of the Son of God, and the fullness of Christ, indicating that we still need these ministries as we have not yet collectively attained that maturity.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I . . . planted, Apollos watered-- (Act 18:1; Act 19:1). Apollos at his own desire (Act 18:27) was sent by the brethren to Corinth, and there followed up the work which Paul had begun. God gave the increase--that is, the growth (Co1 3:10; Act 18:27). "Believed through grace." Though ministers are nothing, and God all in all, yet God works by instruments, and promises the Holy Spirit in the faithful use of means. This is the dispensation of the Spirit, and ours is the ministry of the Spirit.
John Gill Bible Commentary
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; but his meaning is, that he was at Corinth, as in other places, the first that preached the Gospel to them; and was an instrument of the conversion of many souls, and of laying the foundation, and of raising and forming a Gospel church state, and of planting them in it; Apollos watered; he followed after, and his ministry was blessed for edification; he was a means of carrying on the superstructure, and of building up souls in faith and holiness, and of making them fruitful in every good word and work: each minister of the Gospel has his proper gifts, work, and usefulness; some are planters, others waterers; some are employed in hewing down the sturdy oaks, and others in squaring and fitting, and laying them in the building; some are "Boanergeses", sons of thunder, and are mostly useful in conviction and conversion; and others are "Barnabases", sons of consolation, who are chiefly made use of in comforting and edifying the saints: but God gave the increase: for as the gardener may put his plants into the earth, and water them when he has so done, but cannot cause them to grow, this is owing to a divine blessing; and as the husbandman tills his ground, casts the seed into it, and waits for the former and latter rain, but cannot cause it to spring up, or increase to perfection, this is done by a superior influence; so ministers of the Gospel plant and water, cast in the seed of the word, preach the Gospel, but all the success is from the Lord; God only causes it to spring up and grow; it is he that gives it its increasing, spreading, fructifying virtue and efficacy.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:6 I planted: See Acts 18:1-11. • Apollos watered: See Acts 18:27–19:1.