1 Corinthians 3:6 (NKJV)
(Words from the Apostle Paul to the people of Corinth), “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”
To set the stage, on Paul’s second mission journey he stayed in Corinth for some time before setting sail for Syria (Acts 18:18). At the beginning of Paul’s third mission journey he was strengthening all the disciples in the regions of Galatia and Phrygia (Acts 18:23). In the meantime, a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, Egypt, came to Ephesus (Acts 18:24).
Apollos is described as one who had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and an educated man with a thorough knowledge of Scripture. In addition, he spoke with great fervor and taught accurately about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John (Acts 18:24-25).
Apollos would eventually travel to Corinth, the Capitol of the region of Achaia. Both he and Paul made significant impact in this region at different times of their lives. This would be addressed in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.
To say that the Corinthians were a sinful people would be a severe understatement. Some today may refer to them as “a piece of work” or “a hot mess.” They had a litany of problems and Paul was not hesitant to point them out in 1 Corinthians. Some of these sins include: suing one another in court, abusing communion, and sexual misconduct. In the opening verses of 1 Corinthians 3, Paul addresses them as infants in Christ and worldly. He calls them out for their jealousy and quarreling. He chastises them for favoring either Apollos or himself which then leads to an important lesson communicated by his pen.
In 1 Cor. 3:5, the Apostle Paul asks the Corinthians two questions: What is Apollos? What is Paul? He provides the answer to them by saying that each are only servants, through whom they (the Corinthians) came to believe (in Christ).
Paul continues by saying that he planted (the Word). This is an accurate statement as he was a witness to the people of Corinth before Apollos. Paul states that Apollos watered (encouraged them in what they had already learned). This statement is accurate as well according to Acts 18. Paul closes the argument by rightly teaching that God provides the increase. Indeed, He does.
All Christians should have a degree in planting and watering. We are farmers after all. Similar to a vegetable garden, we must plant the seed (share the Word with someone who has never heard it). If we want our produce to grow we must water it (continue sharing with those who have already been introduced to God’s Word). Let us never forget that the population of heaven increases day by day because of God, not you or I. In addition, let us never forget that God grants us the beautiful privilege to water and plant. We are workers in His salvation plan for lost souls.
At times, we are blessed to be present when someone receives the Lord; when God provides the increase. But should we never be present for such a holy moment, may we always be encouraged that our witness is not in vain. As we plant and water, rejoice that God, in His perfect timing, will provide the increase to the seed that falls on fertile soil.
In a subsequent letter to the people of Corinth, Paul writes in 2 Cor. 3:1-3 (NIV), “Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” People change, not because of you or I, but because of the truth of Scripture; the truth we plant and water which ultimately leads to God providing the increase.
Copyright 2025 Michael Callahan Ministries, LLC
I pray that my humble example is water enough.
This is a wonderful devotional
Hi Mario, well over 20 years ago while on missions in Nicaragua I was witnessing to this person. Someone took a picture which I have in a special place. His body language tells the story as his arms were folded. He did not receive the Lord when we were together. I remember feeling that I had somehow failed. My knowledge of planting and watering at the time were minimal. I see things much clearer now. I hope he is saved.
I have wrestled for a long time with the question of what God’s will is for my life. God was very clear about His will for Jesus’s life. John 6:40 says, “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Likewise, Jesus was very clear about His will for us. He said, If you love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15) These commandments are God’s will. God doesn’t will us to buy a house, change jobs, or even begin a ministry. These things, while they may be hard, or frightening, are our will. We are supposed to be savvy enough to know our finances, and the way of the economy, and whether we can afford to make such a large purchase. We should not put the burden on God because we don’t get something we want.
Hi Mike. You had mentioned you have struggled to know God’s will for your life. You later said Jesus was clear about His will for us when He said, “If you love Me keep my commandments.” There’s your answer.
I do believe God can call us into ministry, guide us who to marry or where to live, prompt us by His Spirit to give change to someone on a corner when we’re waiting for the light to turn green. Discernment is certainly needed for these things.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing these devotions!
My honor, David.
What a wonderful devotional. I also struggle with God’s will for my life. It is hard!! I like the way you said to my Mike that it’s clear…”keep my commandments.” Could it be that simple? I have often thought that literally if we all just followed all the 10 commandments we would be better off as a society. Every little law we have in America falls under the purview of those 10 commandments. Follow them and you can’t go wrong!!
Hi Vivian. I actually do think it’s that simple but I also believe it is very challenging due to expectations of society or family, the desire to fulfill our desires which may not match His, and a myriad of other reasons.
And actually, we only need to follow two commands: love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, mind, soul, and strength, and, love thy neighbor as thyself. These two cover the ten.
So true. Only God can save. We are only vessels that He uses for His purpose.