6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.
6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow.
6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.
6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.
4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
4 The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
4 We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.
(Read 2 Corinthians 10:1-6)
While others thought meanly, and spake scornfully of the apostle, he had low thoughts, and spake humbly of himself. We should be aware of our own infirmities, and think humbly of ourselves, even when men reproach us. The work of the ministry is a spiritual warfare with spiritual enemies, and for spiritual purposes. Outward force is not the method of the gospel, but strong persuasions, by the power of truth and the meekness of wisdom. Conscience is accountable to God only; and people must be persuaded to God and their duty, not driven by force. Thus the weapons of our warfare are very powerful; the evidence of truth is convincing. What opposition is made against the gospel, by the powers of sin and Satan in the hearts of men! But observe the conquest the word of God gains. The appointed means, however feeble they appear to some, will be mighty through God. And the preaching of the cross, by men of faith and prayer, has always been fatal to idolatry, impiety, and wickedness.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:6
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:5-9
(Read 1 Corinthians 3:5-9)
The ministers about whom the Corinthians contended, were only instruments used by God. We should not put ministers into the place of God. He that planteth and he that watereth are one, employed by one Master, trusted with the same revelation, busied in one work, and engaged in one design. They have their different gifts from one and the same Spirit, for the very same purposes; and should carry on the same design heartily. Those who work hardest shall fare best. Those who are most faithful shall have the greatest reward. They work together with God, in promoting the purposes of his glory, and the salvation of precious souls; and He who knows their work, will take care they do not labour in vain. They are employed in his husbandry and building; and He will carefully look over them.