1 Corinthians 3:4-7 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

For while one saith, I am of Paul I am one of Paul's disciples, admiring his sublime sentiments, and being greatly edified by his instructive discourses: and another, I am of Apollos I give the preference to Apollos, being delighted with his fine language, and the pleasing manner of his address. St. Paul names himself and Apollos, to show that he would condemn any division among them, even though it were in favour of himself, or the dearest friend he had in the world. Are ye not carnal? For the Spirit of God allows no party zeal. Who then is Paul That some of you are so attached to him; and who is Apollos That others of you are so charmed with him? Are they the authors of your faith and salvation? Surely not: they are but ministers Or servants; by whom As instruments; ye believed The word of the truth of the gospel, as the Lord Of those servants gave to each of them gifts and grace for the work. I have planted A Christian Church at Corinth, being instrumental in converting many of you to the faith of Christ: Apollos came afterward, and, by his affecting and useful addresses, watered what I had planted; but God gave the increase Caused the plantation thus watered to grow, quickened and rendered effectual the means used to produce the fruit of the conversion of souls to God, and their confirmation in the faith and hope of the gospel. So then, the inference to be drawn is, neither is he that planteth any thing Comparatively speaking; neither he that watereth When you compare our part with that of God, it appears even as nothing: but God that giveth the increase Who by his efficacious operation causes fruit to be produced, is all in all: for without him, neither planting nor watering avails.