1 Corinthians 3:6
I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.
I planted
In this phrase, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of planting to describe his role in the establishment of the Corinthian church. The Greek word for "planted" is "ἐφύτευσα" (ephyteusa), which conveys the idea of initiating growth or beginning a process. Paul, as a missionary and church planter, laid the foundational teachings of Christianity in Corinth. This imagery of planting is deeply rooted in the agrarian culture of the time, where planting was the first step in a long process leading to a harvest. Spiritually, it signifies the initial introduction of the Gospel message to a community or individual, emphasizing the importance of starting with a solid foundation in Christ.

Apollos watered
Here, Paul acknowledges the role of Apollos, another early Christian teacher, in nurturing and developing the faith of the Corinthian believers. The Greek word "ἐπότισεν" (epotisen) means "to water" or "to give drink," suggesting the act of providing sustenance and support for growth. Apollos, known for his eloquence and knowledge of the Scriptures, built upon the foundation laid by Paul, helping the believers to mature in their faith. This highlights the collaborative nature of ministry, where different individuals contribute their unique gifts to the growth of the church. It also reflects the biblical principle that while one person may begin a work, others are needed to continue and nurture it.

but God made it grow
This phrase shifts the focus from human efforts to divine intervention. The Greek word "ηὔξανεν" (auxanen) means "to cause to grow" or "to increase." Paul emphasizes that while he and Apollos played significant roles in planting and watering, it is ultimately God who brings about spiritual growth and maturity. This underscores the sovereignty of God in the process of salvation and sanctification. It serves as a reminder that human efforts, though necessary, are insufficient without God's power and blessing. This truth encourages believers to rely on God for the increase, trusting that He is the one who brings fruitfulness to their labors.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who founded the church in Corinth and is the author of the letter. He emphasizes his role in planting the seed of the Gospel.

2. Apollos
A fellow worker in Christ who came after Paul to Corinth and helped nurture the believers, symbolized by watering the seed.

3. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece where Paul established a church. It was known for its diverse population and cultural influences.

4. God
The ultimate source of growth and life in the church. Paul underscores that while humans can plant and water, only God can cause spiritual growth.

5. The Church in Corinth
The recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with divisions and needing a reminder of their unity in Christ.
Teaching Points
The Role of Human Effort
While human efforts in ministry are important, they are not the source of spiritual growth. Our role is to faithfully plant and water, trusting God for the increase.

Unity in Ministry
Paul and Apollos had different roles, but both were essential. This teaches us the importance of unity and collaboration in the body of Christ, avoiding divisions based on personal preferences or allegiances.

Dependence on God
Spiritual growth is ultimately a work of God. This should lead us to a posture of prayer and dependence, recognizing that our efforts are fruitful only through His power.

Humility in Service
Recognizing that God gives the growth should humble us, preventing pride in our accomplishments and encouraging us to give glory to God for any success in ministry.

Encouragement in Ministry
Knowing that God is responsible for growth can encourage us to persevere in ministry, even when immediate results are not visible.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the roles of Paul and Apollos help us appreciate different ministries within the church today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are relying on God for growth in our personal spiritual lives and in our church communities?

3. How can the principle of unity in 1 Corinthians 3:6 be applied to resolve conflicts or divisions within a church setting?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt discouraged in your ministry efforts. How does this verse encourage you to continue?

5. How can we practically cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God in our daily walk with Christ, as taught in this passage?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 18:24-28
Describes Apollos' ministry and his role in teaching and strengthening the believers, providing context to his mention in 1 Corinthians 3:6.

John 15:5
Jesus speaks about being the vine and believers being the branches, emphasizing that apart from Him, they can do nothing, similar to Paul's point about God giving growth.

Philippians 2:13
Highlights that it is God who works in believers to will and to act according to His good purpose, reinforcing the idea of divine empowerment in spiritual growth.
Man's Work and God'sE. Hurndall 1 Corinthians 3:6
Christian Teachers and Their WorkH. Bremner 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
CarnalityT. Binney.1 Corinthians 3:1-12
ContentionsA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:1-12
DiscordA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:1-12
EnvyingA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:1-12
Incapacity in HearersA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:1-12
Milk for BabesA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:1-12
Prod an Example to Christian MinistersJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 3:1-12
Reflections for ChurchesD. Thomas, D. D.1 Corinthians 3:1-12
StF. W. Robertson, M. A.1 Corinthians 3:1-12
The Comparative Carnality of ChristiansJ. Leifchild, D. D.1 Corinthians 3:1-12
The Distinction Between Milk and MeatC. Hodge, D. D.1 Corinthians 3:1-12
The Doctrines of the Gospel the Food of ChristiansN. Emmons, D. D.1 Corinthians 3:1-12
The Ministerial OnceC. Hodge, D. D.1 Corinthians 3:1-12
The Remains of Corruption in the RegenerateA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:1-12
Walking as MenA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:1-12
Farm LabourersC. H. Spurgeon.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
God the Giver of IncreaseRalph Williams.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
God's Husbandry and BuildingM. Dods, D. D.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
Gospel PlantingA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
Human Instrumentality Useless Without GodJ. Haslegrave, B. A.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
Moral IncreaseB. Ward.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
Partiality for Preachers to be Avoided1 Corinthians 3:4-8
Partisanship in the ChurchJ. Lyth.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
Party Spirit Unbecoming and InjuriousA. Tefler, A. M.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
Preachers in Their RelationsJ. Bush.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
Rewards Proportionable to WorksBp. Smalridge.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
Spiritual IncreaseA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
Spiritual WateringA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
That the Best Ministry is Nothing Without God's Power Giving the IncreaseA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
The Carnality of ChurchismsD. Thomas, D. D.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
The Christian Hearer's First LessonC. Elis.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
The Reward of the Christian MinistryA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
The Success of the Gospel Entirely of GodJ. Witherspoon, D. D.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
The Success of the Ministry Owing to a Divine InfluenceS. Davies, A. M.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
The True Estimate of the Ministers of ChristJ. Lyth. D. D.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
The Unity of Christian WorkA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
Thinking Too Much of MinistersA. Burgess., A. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
Undue Partiality to God's MinistersJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
Unprofitable HearingW. Baxendale.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
Work and WagesG. D. Macgregor.1 Corinthians 3:4-8
Man's Work and God'sR. Tuck 1 Corinthians 3:5-7
St. Paul's View of the MinistryC. Lipscomb 1 Corinthians 3:5-10
Spiritual Husbandry and GrowthJ.R. Thomson 1 Corinthians 3:6-8
People
Apollos, Cephas, Corinthians, Paul, Peter
Places
Corinth
Topics
Apollos, Apol'los, Causing, Giving, Grow, Growth, Increase, Planted, Planting, Seed, Watered, Watering
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Corinthians 3:6

     5776   achievement

1 Corinthians 3:5-6

     7708   apostles, function

1 Corinthians 3:5-7

     8332   reputation

1 Corinthians 3:5-8

     7924   fellowship, in service

1 Corinthians 3:5-9

     4510   sowing and reaping

1 Corinthians 3:5-10

     5109   Paul, apostle

1 Corinthians 3:6-7

     4506   seed
     8443   growth

1 Corinthians 3:6-8

     7024   church, nature of

Library
Twenty-Third Day. Holiness and the Body.
The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. The body is for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you; therefore glorify God in your body.'--1 Cor. iii. 16, vi. 13, 19. 'She that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit.'--1 Cor. vii. 34. 'Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God.'--Rom. xii. 1. Coming into the world, our Blessed
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

November the Ninth the Holy Spirit as Emancipator
2 CORINTHIANS iii. 4-18. In the Holy Spirit I experience a large emancipation. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." I am delivered from all enslaving bondage--from the bondage of literalism, and legalism, and ritualism. I am not hampered by excessive harness, by multitudinous rules. The harness is fitting and congenial, and I have freedom of movement, and "my yoke is easy and my burden is light." And I am to use my emancipation of spirit in the ministry of contemplation. I am to
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Temples of God
'Know ye not that ye are the temple of God?'--1 COR. iii. 16 The great purpose of Christianity is to make men like Jesus Christ. As He is the image of the invisible God we are to be the images of the unseen Christ. The Scripture is very bold and emphatic in attributing to Christ's followers likeness to Him, in nature, in character, in relation to the world, in office, and in ultimate destiny. Is He the anointed of God? We are anointed--Christs in Him. Is He the Son of God? We in Him receive the
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

God's Fellow-Workers
'Labourers together with God.'--1 COR. iii. 9. The characteristic Greek tendency to factions was threatening to rend the Corinthian Church, and each faction was swearing by a favourite teacher. Paul and his companion, Apollos, had been taken as the figureheads of two of these parties, and so he sets himself in the context, first of all to show that neither of the two was of any real importance in regard to the Church's life. They were like a couple of gardeners, one of whom did the planting, and
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Death, the Friend
'... All things are yours ... death.'--1 COR. iii. 21, 22. What Jesus Christ is to a man settles what everything else is to Him. Our relation to Jesus determines our relation to the universe. If we belong to Him, everything belongs to us. If we are His servants, all things are our servants. The household of Jesus, which is the whole Creation, is not divided against itself, and the fellow-servants do not beat one another. Two bodies moving in the same direction, and under the impulse of the same
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Servants and Lords
'All things are yours; 22. Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; 23. And ye are Christ's.'--1 COR. iii. 21-23. The Corinthian Christians seem to have carried into the Church some of the worst vices of Greek--and English--political life. They were split up into wrangling factions, each swearing by the name of some person. Paul was the battle-cry of one set; Apollos of another. Paul and Apollos were very good friends,
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Sanctified for Service.
"We are labourers together with God; ye are God's husbandry; ye are God's building."--1 COR. iii. 9. In this passage St. Paul is rebuking the Corinthians for that spirit of party which was dividing them into followers of this or that teacher and so destroying their unity in Christ. You do not belong, he says, to Paul or to Apollos; we have no claim upon you; ye are not to be called by our name: you are God's husbandry, and God's building, not ours; we are but labourers in His service and
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

On the Wisdom of this World
"The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God."--I Cor. iii. 19. It is remarkable that about the time of our Saviour's coming into the world all kinds of learning flourished to a very great degree, insomuch that nothing is more frequent in the mouths of many men, even such who pretend to read and to know, than an extravagant praise and opinion of the wisdom and virtue of the Gentile sages of those days, and likewise of those ancient philosophers who went before them, whose doctrines are left
Jonathan Swift—Three Sermons, Three Prayers

On the Interpretation of Scripture
IT is a strange, though familiar fact, that great differences of opinion exist respecting the Interpretation of Scripture. All Christians receive the Old and New Testament as sacred writings, but they are not agreed about the meaning which they attribute to them. The book itself remains as at the first; the commentators seem rather to reflect the changing atmosphere of the world or of the Church. Different individuals or bodies of Christians have a different point of view, to which their interpretation
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World

The Existence of Merit
1. HERETICAL ERRORS AND THE TEACHING OF THE CHURCH.--a) The medieval Beguins and Beghards held that man is able to attain such a perfect state of holiness here below as no longer to require an increase of grace or good works.(1226) Luther, holding that justification consists in the covering up of sin and the external imputation of the justice of Christ, consistently though falsely asserted that "the just man sins in every good work,"(1227) that "a good work, no matter how well performed, is a venial
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

The Objects of Merit
After defining the existence of merit the Tridentine Council enumerates its objects as follows: "If anyone saith that the justified, by the good works which he performs, ... does not truly merit increase of grace, eternal life, and the attainment of that eternal life,--if it be so, however, that he depart in grace,--and also an increase of glory: let him be anathema."(1320) Hence merit calls for a threefold reward: (1) an increase of sanctifying grace; (2) heavenly glory; and (3) an increase of that
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

The Christian Church
Scriptures references: 1 Corinthians 3:11; 3:6-9; Colossians 1:18; Acts 2:47; Ephesians 5:23-27; Matthew 16:16,18; 18:17; Acts 5:11,12; 13:1,2; 14:23; 16:5; 1 Corinthians 11:18-34; 12:28-31; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2:14; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 12:22,23; Revelation 1:4,11,20; 2:7,11; 22:16; 22:12-15,17. THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH What is the Christian Church?--One of the best definitions is as follows: "The church consists of all who acknowledge the Divine Lord, Jesus Christ, the blessed Saviour
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

Carnal Christians.
1 Corinthians 3:1.--And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal. The apostle here speaks of two stages of the Christian life, two types of Christians: "I could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ." They were Christians, in Christ, but instead of being spiritual Christians, they were carnal. "I have fed you with milk, and not with meat, for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet are ye able, for ye are
Andrew Murray—The Master's Indwelling

The Indwelling Spirit Fully and Forever Satisfying.
The Holy Spirit takes up His abode in the one who is born of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul says to the believers in Corinth in 1 Cor. iii. 16, R. V., "Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" This passage refers, not so much to the individual believer, as to the whole body of believers, the Church. The Church as a body is indwelt by the Spirit of God. But in 1 Cor. vi. 19, R. V., we read, "Know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Ghost which is
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Dedicatory Letter.
To the respected and worthy NICOLAUS VON AMSDORF, Licentiate in the Holy Scriptures and Canon of Wittenberg, [14] My particular and affectionate friend. Dr. MARTIN LUTHER. The Grace and Peace of God be with you! Respected, worthy Sir and dear friend. The time for silence is gone and the time to speak has come, as we read in Ecclesiastes (iii. 7.) I have in conformity with our resolve put together some few points concerning the Reformation of the Christian Estate, with the intent of placing the same
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Alcuin on True Missionary Labours.
THE cause of the first failure of the mission amongst the Saxons, may serve as a lesson and a warning to all times. It was this: that they sought to introduce from without what can only be effected from within; that worldly aims were blended with the diffusion of Christianity; that men did not follow the example of the Apostle Paul, who, in preaching the Gospel, allowed the Jews to remain Jews, and the Greeks, Greeks, and knew how to become to the Jews as a Jew, and to the Greeks as a Greek. The
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

Certain it Is, Albeit all this Disputation Go from Side to Side...
38. Certain it is, albeit all this disputation go from side to side, some asserting that it is never right to lie, and to this effect reciting divine testimonies: others gainsaying, and even in the midst of the very words of the divine testimonies seeking place for a lie; yet no man can say, that he finds this either in example or in word of the Scriptures, that any lie should seem a thing to be loved, or not had in hatred; howbeit sometimes by telling a lie thou must do that thou hatest, that what
St. Augustine—On Lying

It Follows after Commendation of the Trinity, "The Holy Church. ...
14. It follows after commendation of the Trinity, "The Holy Church." God is pointed out, and His temple. "For the temple of God is holy," says the Apostle, "which (temple) are ye." [1801] This same is the holy Church, the one Church, the true Church, the catholic Church, fighting against all heresies: fight, it can: be fought down, it cannot. As for heresies, they went all out of it, like as unprofitable branches pruned from the vine: but itself abideth in its root, in its Vine, in its charity. "The
St. Augustine—On the Creeds

Now it Has Been My Wish on this Account to Say Something on This...
22. Now it has been my wish on this account to say something on this subject, by reason of certain of our brethren most friendly and dear to us, and without willful guilt indeed entangled in this error, but yet entangled; who think, that, when they exhort any to righteousness and piety, their exhortation will not have force, unless the whole of that, wherein they would work upon man that man should work, they set in the power of man, not helped by the grace of God, but put forth by the alone choice
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood.

Homilies on the Statues.
Abel, beloved of God, yet slain, [466]342; more blessed in his death than Cain, [467]374; died the first to instruct Adam, [468]414; his sacrifice good, [469]422. Abraham, rich but not covetous: entertaining angels, [470]349; tent of, stronger than Sodom, [471]456. Absolution, [472]356; at the altar, [473]443. Accused at Antioch, tortured, [474]474. Acrobats, [475]470. Actions, few, for their own sake, [476]379; end of, [477]459, n.; the proof of philosophy, [478]465. Adam, fell when idle, [479]353,
St. Chrysostom—On the Priesthood

Epistle Xlvi. To Isacius, Bishop of Jerusalem .
To Isacius, Bishop of Jerusalem [159] . Gregory to Isacius, &c. In keeping with the truth of history, what means the fact that at the time of the flood the human race outside the ark dies, but within the ark is preserved unto life, but what we see plainly now, namely that all the unfaithful perish under the wave of their sin, while the unity of holy Church, like the compactness of the ark, keeps her faithful ones in faith and in charity? And this ark in truth is compacted of incorruptible timber,
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Epistle Xlix. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch .
To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch [35] . Gregory to Anastasius, &c. I received the letters of thy Fraternity, rightly holding fast the profession of the faith; and I returned great thanks to Almighty God, who, when the shepherds of His flock are changed, still, even after such change, guards the faith which He once delivered to the holy Fathers. Now the excellent preacher says, Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Christ Jesus (1 Cor. iii. 2). Whosoever, then, with love of
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

How the Wise and the Dull are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 7). Differently to be admonished are the wise of this world and the dull. For the wise are to be admonished that they leave off knowing what they know: the dull also are to be admonished that they seek to know what they know not. In the former this thing first, that they think themselves wise, is to be thrown down; in the latter whatsoever is already known of heavenly wisdom is to be built up; since, being in no wise proud, they have, as it were, prepared their hearts for supporting
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

First Sunday in Lent
Text: Second Corinthians 6, 1-10. 1 And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain 2 (for he saith, At an acceptable time I hearkened unto thee, and in a day of salvation did I succor thee: behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation): 3 giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed; 4 but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities,
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Links
1 Corinthians 3:6 NIV
1 Corinthians 3:6 NLT
1 Corinthians 3:6 ESV
1 Corinthians 3:6 NASB
1 Corinthians 3:6 KJV

1 Corinthians 3:6 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Corinthians 3:5
Top of Page
Top of Page