What does 1 Corinthians 3:6 mean?

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6

Explanation

This verse—1 Corinthians 3:6—comes from a letter by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. On a literal level, Paul is addressing their tendency to create divisions based on which leader they follow. He uses an agricultural metaphor to describe the different roles he and Apollos (another Christian preacher) have played in the spiritual development of the Corinthians. Paul likens his evangelistic work to “planting” and Apollos’s subsequent teaching to “watering.” However, he emphasizes that it is only God who can cause growth. At a deeper level, this illustrates the idea that while human efforts are used by God in spreading the gospel and nurturing believers, the transformational growth in believers is solely a result of God’s power and grace.

Historical Context

1 Corinthians was written approximately in the mid-50s A.D. during Paul’s third missionary journey. The church in Corinth was a fledgling Christian community beset with various problems, including dissension and misunderstanding of Christian teachings. Corinth was a major cosmopolitan city in Greece, known for its wealth, intellectual pride, and moral laxity. It was against this backdrop of societal influences that the church struggled with unity and faced temptations of falling into factionalism.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse speaks to the doctrine of God’s sovereignty coupled with human responsibility. It underscores the cooperative aspect of Christian ministry where different ministers have various roles, but ultimately, it is God who sovereignly orchestrates the growth of the church and the spiritual progress of individuals. From Calvinistic viewpoints, this reinforces the idea of God’s electing grace. From an Arminian standpoint, it might highlight the synergistic process of salvation and sanctification. Catholics and Orthodox believers may see this as affirmation of the differing roles within the church body, all under God’s providential care.

Practical Applications

1 Corinthians 3:6 can help modern Christians remember the importance of unity and the different functions within the church. It can encourage pastors and leaders not to be prideful about their roles, and laypeople to appreciate diverse contributions without exalting individuals. It reminds us that success in ministry or spiritual growth is not to be credited to any person but to God alone, which should keep us humble and collaborative rather than competitive or divisive.

Cross-References

• John 15:5: “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
• 2 Corinthians 9:10: “Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)”
• Acts 18:24-28: Describes Apollos’s ministry in Achaia and how he helped the believers.
• Ephesians 4:11-16: Talks about different roles within the church, designed for the edification of the body of Christ.

Language Study

The key Greek words in this verse are:

• “planted” (φυτεύω, phyteuo): to plant, typically a metaphor for initiating something.
• “watered” (ποτίζω, potizo): to give something to drink, used metaphorically for providing necessary teaching or resources for growth.
• “increase” (αὔξανε, auxane): to cause to grow or increase; it refers here to the spiritual growth that God alone can produce.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, agricultural metaphors were commonly used to describe divine action. In Greek mythology, gods such as Demeter were associated with the growth of crops. In Egyptian mythology, Isis and Osiris played roles in the mythological narratives concerning agriculture and growth. This Corinthians verse notably differs by attributing the growth not to any human action, but solely to the monotheistic God of Christianity.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, growth in the natural world operates according to biological and ecological laws. In horticulture, both planting and watering are essential for growth, but they can only facilitate natural processes already designed in seeds. Analogously, Paul might be suggesting that human efforts in ministry are necessary but work within the “spiritual laws” God has established for growth, and the mystery of spiritual growth itself transcends simple cause and effect.

Commentaries

Many Bible scholars and theologians have commented on this verse, generally agreeing on its importance in understanding Christian ministry. For example, John Calvin remarks on the need for ministers to focus on God who gives the efficacy to their work. Matthew Henry comments on the foolishness of boasting in human leaders when it is God who is the source of all spiritual benefits. Contemporary commentaries often discuss the importance of recognizing and celebrating diversity within unity in the modern church. They reiterate the verse’s call to humility and a Christ-focused approach to service and ministry over individual glorification.