1 Corinthians 3:5-9

⁵ “What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. ⁶ I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. ⁷ So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. ⁸ Now the one who plants and the one who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. ⁹ For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

Verse 5: In verse 5, Paul reminds the Corinthians that both Apollos and himself are merely servants of God. They were instruments through whom the Corinthians came to believe in the Lord. Paul emphasizes that their roles as servants were assigned to them by the Lord. This highlights the importance of recognizing that it is God who brings about faith and growth in believers, not the human leaders themselves.

Verse 6: Paul uses the analogy of planting and watering to illustrate the roles he and Apollos played in the Corinthians’ spiritual journey. Paul planted the seed of the gospel message, and Apollos watered it through further teaching and ministry. However, Paul emphasizes that it is ultimately God who brings about growth and transformation in the hearts of believers. This highlights the sovereignty and power of God in the process of spiritual growth.

Verse 7: Paul reiterates that both the one who plants and the one who waters are insignificant in comparison to God, who is the one who truly brings about growth. The emphasis here is on recognizing that it is God’s work and power that produces spiritual growth, not the efforts or abilities of human leaders. This serves as a reminder to the Corinthians to keep their focus on God and not on human figures.

Verse 8: Paul emphasizes that although the roles of planting and watering may differ, both the one who plants and the one who waters have the same purpose: to serve God and contribute to the growth of believers. Each person will be rewarded according to their own labor and faithfulness in fulfilling their assigned tasks. This highlights the importance of faithfulness and diligence in serving God, rather than seeking personal recognition or glory.

Verse 9: Paul reminds the Corinthians that he and Apollos are co-workers in God’s service. They are both working together for the advancement of God’s kingdom and the growth of believers. The Corinthians themselves are described as God’s field and God’s building, emphasizing that they are the ones being cultivated and built up by God. This reinforces the idea that it is God who is ultimately at work in their lives, and that their unity and cooperation as believers are essential for the growth and edification of the church.