Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Corinthians 3:8
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.
8. he that planteth and he that watereth are one ] As though to make his depreciation of man as emphatic as possible, the Apostle uses the neuter gender here. The instruments are one thing, parts of a vast piece of machinery which God has put in motion for the salvation of the world. As channels of Divine grace it is our duty to forget their personality.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Are one – hen eisin. They are not the same person; but they are one in the following respects:
(1) They are united in reference to the same work. Though they are engaged in different things – for planting and watering are different kinds of work, yet it is one in regard to the end to be gained. The employments do not at all clash, but tend to the same end. It is not as if one planted, and the other was engaged in pulling up.
(2) Their work is one, because one is as necessary as the other. If the grain was not planted there would be no use in pouring water there; if not watered, there would be no use in planting. The work of one is as necessary, therefore, as the other; and the one should not undervalue the labors of the other.
(3) They are one in regard to God. They are both engaged in performing one work; God is performing another. There are not three parties or portions of the work, but two. They two perform one part of the work; God alone performs the other. Theirs would be useless without him; he would not ordinarily perform his without their performing their part. They could not do his part it they would – as they cannot make a plant grow; he could perform their part – as he could plant and water without the farmer; but it is not in accordance with his arrangements to do it.
And every man – The argument of the apostle here has reference only to ministers; but it is equally true of all people, that they shall receive their proper reward.
Shall receive – On the Day of Judgment, when God decides the destiny of men. The decisions of that Day will be simply determining what every moral agent ought to receive.
His own reward – His fit, or proper ( ton idion) reward; that which pertains to him, or which shall be a proper expression of the character and value of his labor – The word reward misthon denotes properly that which is given by contract for service rendered; an equivalent in value for services or for kindness; see the note at Rom 4:4. In the Scriptures it denotes pay, wages, recompense given to day-laborers, to soldiers, etc. It is applied often, as here, to the retribution which God will make to people on the Day of Judgment; and is applied to the favors which he will then bestow on them, or to the punishment which he will inflict as the reward of their deeds. Instances of the former sense occur in Mat 5:12; 6; Luk 6:23, Luk 6:35; Rev 11:18; of the latter in 2Pe 2:13, 2Pe 2:15 – In regard to the righteous, it does not imply merit, or that they deserve heaven; but it means that, God will render to them that which, according to the terms of his new covenant, he has promised, and which shall be a fit expression of his acceptance of their services. It is proper, according to these arrangements, that they should be blessed in heaven. It would not be proper that they should be cast down to hell – Their original and their sole title to eternal life is the grace of God through Jesus Christ: the measure, or amount of the favors bestowed on them there, shall be according to the services which they render on earth. A parent may resolve to divide his estate among his sons, and their title to any thing may be derived from his mere favor but he may determine that it shall be divided according to their expressions of attachment, and to their obedience to him.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 8. He that planteth and he that watereth are one] Both Paul and Apollos have received the same doctrine, preach the same doctrine, and labour to promote the glory of God in the salvation of your souls. Why should you be divided with respect to Paul and Apollos, while these apostles are intimately ONE in spirit, design, and operation?
According to his own labour.] God does not reward his servants according to the success of their labour, because that depends on himself; but he rewards them according to the quantum of faithful labour which they bestow on his work. In this sense none can say, I have laboured in vain, and spent my strength for nought.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The ministers of Christ, though one be used in planting and another in watering, one in laying the foundation and another in building thereupon, yet are one; one in their office and work, one in their ministry, being all servants to Christ, who is one; all serving one and the same Lord, all doing the same business, proposing the same end, and with all their might labouring towards it; and therefore, as they ought not to divide into parties and factions, so you ought not for their sakes to be so divided. Yet they are not so one, but that one may labour more than another, and be honoured by God with more success than another, and every one shall receive a reward proportioned to his labour: the apostle saith not, according to the success of his labour, (that is not in his power), but,
according to his labour.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
8. oneessentially in theiraim they are one, engaged in one and the same ministry;therefore they ought not to be made by you the occasion of formingseparate parties.
and every manrather”but every man.” Though in their service orministry, they are essentially “one,” yet every minister isseparately responsible in “his own” work, and “shallreceive his own (emphatically repeated) reward, according tohis own labor.” The reward is something over andabove personal salvation (1Co 3:14;1Co 3:15; 2Jn 1:8).He shall be rewarded according to, not his success or the amount ofwork done, but “according to his own labor.” It shall besaid to him, “Well done, thou good and (not successful,but) faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord”(Mt 25:23).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Now he that planteth, and he that watereth are one,…. Not in every respect so; they were different as men, they were not the same individual persons, nor in the same office; Paul was an apostle, Apollos only a preacher of the Gospel; nor had they the same measure of gifts, nor did they labour alike, or were of the same usefulness; but they had one and the same commission to preach the Gospel; and the Gospel they preached was the same; and so were their views, aims, and ends, which were the glory of God, and the good of immortal souls; and they had the same love and affection for one another; they were one in their work, judgment, and affection; and which carries in it a strong reason and argument why the members of this church should not contend and divide about them:
and every man shall receive his own reward; either from men, that double honour he is worthy of, maintenance and respect; or rather from God, not a reward of debt, for his labours are by no means meritorious of anything at the hands of God, from whom he has all the grace, strength, and abilities he labours with; but of grace, even the reward of the inheritance, because he serves the Lord Christ; which is by bequest, through the death of the testator, and common to all the children of God, and heirs of glory:
according to his own labour; and not another’s; and not according to the success of it, but according to that itself; not that that is the measure of the reward, for the reward infinitely exceeds it; but is that to which God has graciously annexed the promise of the reward, as an encouragement to it.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Are one ( ). The neuter singular again (, not ) as with the interrogative and the indefinite . By this bold metaphor which Paul expands he shows how the planter and the waterer work together. If no one planted, the watering would be useless. If no one watered, the planting would come to naught as the dreadful drouth of 1930 testifies while these words are written.
According to his own labour ( ). God will bestow to each the reward that his labour deserves. That is the pay that the preacher is sure to receive. He may get too little or too much here from men. But the due reward from God is certain and it will be adequate however ungrateful men may be.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one.” (ho phuteuon de kai ho potizon en eisin) “The one planting moreover also the one watering are one.” This means each minister sought the one objective of his calling – to be a common dedicated worker for God, 1Co 16:12.
2) “And every man shall receive his own reward.” (ekastos de ton idion misthon lempsethai) “And each one shall receive his own reward” (for services rendered). There is a rewarding day. 1Co 3:14; 1Co 9:17; Dan 12:3; 2Jn 1:8; Rev 22:12.
3) “According to his own labour.” (Kata ton Idion kopon) “according to or based upon his own labor” not upon “amount of fruit.” Though God desires, good, much, and more fruit in each of his children, he also desires labor, faithful labor, and rewards therefore abundantly, Mat 25:15-23; Luk 19:11-27; Joh 15:1-27.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
8. He that planteth, and he that watereth are one He shows farther, from another consideration, that the Corinthians are greatly to blame in abusing, with a view to maintain their own sects and parties, the names of their teachers, who in the meantime are, with united efforts, aiming at one and the same thing, and can by no means be separated, or torn asunder, without at the same time leaving off the duties of their office. They are one, says he; in other words, they are so linked together, that their connection does not allow of any separation, because all ought to have one end in view, and they serve one Lord, and are engaged in the same work. Hence, if they employ themselves faithfully in cultivating the Lord’s field, they will maintain unity; and, by mutual communication, will help each other — so far from their names serving as standards to stir up contendings. Here we have a beautiful passage for exhorting ministers to concord. Meanwhile, however, he indirectly reproves those ambitious teachers, who, by giving occasion for contentions, discovered thereby that they were not the servants of Christ, but the slaves of vain-glory — that they did not employ themselves in planting and watering, but in rooting up and burning.
Every man will receive his own reward Here he shows what is the end that all ministers should have in view — not to catch the applause of the multitude, but to please the Lord. This, too, he does with the view of calling to the judgment-seat of God those ambitious teachers, who were intoxicated with the glory of the world, and thought of nothing else; and at the same time admonishing the Corinthians, as to the worthlessness of that empty applause which is drawn forth by elegance of expression and vain ostentation. He at the same time discovers in these words the fearlessness of his conscience, inasmuch as he ventures to look forward to the judgment of God without dismay. For the reason why ambitious men recommend themselves to the esteem of the world is, that they have not learned to devote themselves to God, and that they do not set before their eyes Christ’s heavenly kingdom. Accordingly, as soon as God comes to be seen, that foolish desire of gaining man’s favor disappears.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(8) Are one.The planter and the waterer are one in that they are both working in the same cause. But, says the Apostle (not and, as in our version), each man shall receive his own reward from God, not from man, according to his labour. There is an individuality as well as a unity in the work of the ministry. This is, however, not a thing to be noticed by men, but it will be recognised by the great Master.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
8. Are one And so should not be divided between contending parties.
Every man That truly either plants or waters God’s heritage.
According to his own laborer As is fully shown in 1Co 3:12-15.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Now he who plants and he who waters are one. But each shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are God’s fellow-workers. You are God’s prepared land, you are God’s building.’
Paul continues his illustration and then changes it to a new illustration. He is dealing first with the illustration of agricultural work. Then he changes to the illustration of building. So Christians are first depicted as land prepared for the growth of crops (georgion – cultivated land). And men of God, if they are true men of God, labour on them, planting and watering. And they are all one in the work. Their aim is one, and their unity is one. ‘That they may be one as we are’ (Joh 17:11). And each will benefit individually according to how they labour. They work together as one, but as each is responsible individually, so each will be rewarded individually. For only God can see the heart. But the stress is also on the fact that they are only labourers in a small part of the field. It is Christ Who is central to it all. They are not of great importance, He is all important.
‘We are fellow-workers of God.’ ‘Of God’ may mean ‘who belong to God’, or ‘who act together as fellow-workers on God’s behalf’ or ‘as fellow-workers with God’. As the emphasis is on their service for Him one of the first two is almost certainly correct (note that ‘of God’ is repeated three times, in the two final examples definitely signifying possession)). The point is that they work together under God’s management to fulfil God’s work. It is the prepared land and the building which are important, not the farmers and builders. But we may also see the point as being that both the fellow-workers and the cultivated land/building belong to God. They share the same level as being His possessions. It is both a glorious fact and a great leveller.
If we take it to mean ‘in partnership with God’, which is least likely, we must remember that in that case He is the driving force, and they are very much junior assistants. They are sun-ergos, ‘workers together’ with God, working under His direction, and it is He Who pays their wages depending on the quality of their work. The thanks are due to the Owner and Managing Director and not his workers (although of course we may politely thank them too).
Then he changes his illustration to that of building, because he now wants to stress the centrality of Christ. The church of Corinth (and all churches) are seen as something being built. Initially therefore the following verses apply to Paul and Apollos and all those who labour likemindedly. But clearly in the final analysis they apply to all who work for God.
‘You are God’s cultivated land.’ God’s people are the cultivated, fruitful land. The workers are privileged to have been called to work on that land. They dig, and plough, and sow, and water. But it is God Who gives the increase. Without Him all their work would be in vain.
‘God’s building.’ The new illustration is necessary to bring Christ into the picture.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
That Is Why These Teachers Are United In Their Work Knowing They Must Account To God For Their Ministry (3:8-15).
Paul now puts all these teachers, including himself, firmly in their place. They are but domestic servants whose responsibility is to point to the foundation Jesus Christ and to build on Him. Christ is all. Their works and teaching will one day be tested and either rewarded or dealt with as rubbish, but the foundation will endure for ever, and that foundation is Christ. For all is building up to the supreme glory of Christ, until finally all is of God (1Co 3:22-23; 1Co 15:20-28)
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
1Co 3:8. Are one This is another cogent argument against division,that though their labours were different, and their rewards proportionable, yet they had in the general one office, and were employed as workers-together by God, to plant the seeds of grace and holiness in the souls of men, and to bring them to perfection. St. Paul here introduces an excellent discourse of the happy consequences of faithfulness in the ministerial work, and the aweful account of it to be given up to God:a subject familiar to his own mind; and so proper for their teachers, that if it render the epistle something less regular, it balances the account, by rendering it so much more useful. See Craddock’s Apostol. Hist. p. 156.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
1Co 3:8-9 . The planter, on the other hand, and the waterer are one: each of them, however (and here we pass on to the new point of the recompense of the teachers), will receive his own reward , etc.
] the one is not something other than the other, generically as respects a relation defined in the text (1Co 11:5 ; Joh 10:30 ; Joh 17:11 ; Joh 17:21 ), here: in so far as both are of one and the same official character, namely, as workers in the service of God . Theodoret: .
. . [497] ] ( i.e. in respect of the pains and labour expended) , . . [498] , Chrysostom.
] both times with emphasis. Bengel puts it happily: “congruens iteratio; antitheton ad unum .” The , however, refers to the recompense at the last judgment, 1Co 3:13 ff. 1Co 3:9 gives now the proof , not for both halves of 1Co 3:8 , of which the first has been already disposed of in the preceding statement (in opposition to Hofmann), but for the new thought introduced by . The emphasis of proof lies wholly on the word thrice put foremost, . For since it is God whose helpers we are (“eximium elogium ministerii,” Calvin), God whose tillage-field, God whose building ye are: therefore it cannot be otherwise than that that must hold good, and none lack his reward according to his labour (“ secundum laborem, non propter laborem,” Calovius).
] for we, your teachers, labour with God , the supreme Lord and Fosterer of the church, at one work, which is simply the furtherance of the church. The explanation: workers who work with each other for God’s cause (Estius by way of suggestion, Bengel, Flatt, Heydenreich, Olshausen), is linguistically erroneous (see 1Th 3:2 ; Rom 16:3 ; Rom 16:9 ; Rom 16:21 ; Phi 2:25 ; Php 4:3 ; 2Co 1:24 ; 2Ma 14:5 ; Plato, Def. p. 414 A; Dem. 68. 27, 884. 2; Plut. Per. 31; Bernhardy, p. 171; Khner, II. p. 172), and fails to appreciate that lofty conception of a .
. and . set before us the Corinthian church, in so far as it is the object of the ministerial service of Christian teachers, under the twofold image of a field for tillage ( ., Strabo, xiv. p. 671; Theag. in Schol. on Pind. Nem. iii. 21; Pro 24:30 ; Pro 31:16 ), which belongs to God and is cultivated, and as a building belonging to God (Eph 2:21 ), which is being carried up to completion.
[497] . . . .
[498] . . . .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
Ver. 8. And he that watereth are one ] Why then are not you at one? Should ye not follow your leaders, press their footsteps? Surely you would, did you not more mind party than peace. Maxima pars studiorum, est studium partium; a hateful kind of study.
Shall receive his own reward ] Those ambitious doctors that draw disciples after them, hunting after popular applause (that empty blast of stinking breath), shall have that for their reward; let them make them merry with it. When faithful ministers shall shine as stars,Dan 12:3Dan 12:3 .
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
8. ] , in the nature of their ministry, generically, . Theodoret.
] Here he introduces a new element the separate responsibility of each minister for the results of his own labour, so that, though they are one , (ib.) they are diverse . The stress is twice on .
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
1Co 3:8 . In comparison with God, Ap. and P. are simply nothing (1Co 3:7 ): in relation to each other they are not rivals, as their Cor [516] favourers would make them (1Co 3:4 ): “But the planter and the waterer are one” ( , one thing ) with one interest and aim, viz. , the growth of the Church; cf. 1Co 12:12 ; 1Co 12:20 ; also Joh 10:30 . Their functions are complementary, not competitive: a further answer to the question, . . .; The servants of God are nothing before Him, “one thing” before His Church: vanity and variance are alike impossible.
[516] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.
While one in aim, they are distinct in responsibility and reward: “But each will get his own (proper) wage, according to his own toil”. , appropriate, specific ( cf. 1Co 7:7 , 1Co 15:23 ; 1Co 15:28 ): “congruens iteratio, antitheton ad unum ” (Bg [517] ). (1Co 3:13-15 ) denotes the work achieved , the exertion put forth (see parls., and , 1Co 15:10 , etc.): ; (Thp [518] ). The contrast , between collective and individual relationships, is characteristic of Paul: cf. 1Co 12:5-11 ; 1Co 12:27 , 1Co 15:10 f., Gal 6:2-5 , Rom 14:7-10 . He forbids the man either to assert himself against the community or to merge himself in it. The fixed ratio between present labour in Christ’s service and final reward is set forth, diff [519] but consistently, in the two parables of the Talents and Pounds, Mat 25:14-30 , Luk 19:11-28 .
[517] Bengel’s Gnomon Novi Testamenti.
[518]
[519] difference, different, differently.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
one = one thing. Both belong to the same company of servants, of whom God is the Master.
his own. Emph. Greek. idios.
according to. App-104.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
8.] , in the nature of their ministry,-generically, . Theodoret.
] Here he introduces a new element-the separate responsibility of each minister for the results of his own labour, so that, though they are one,- (ib.) they are diverse. The stress is twice on .
Fuente: The Greek Testament
1Co 3:8. ) one; neither of them is so much as anything. As one star in the heavens shines high above another; but the unscientific man does not perceive the difference in the height; so the Apostle Paul shone far above Apollos; but the Corinthians did not understand this, and Paul in this passage does not instruct them much on that point; he merely asserts the eminent superiority of Christ.–, his own-his own) an appropriate repetition, and an antithesis to one.-, reward) something beyond salvation, 1Co 3:14-15. The faithful steward will receive praise, the diligent workman a reward.-, labour) not merely according to the work [done, but according to each mans labour].
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
1Co 3:8
1Co 3:8
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one:- They are one in position and relation. They are servants through whom God works. They are equal-not one to be exalted above another. Neither is entitled to any credit.
but each shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.-They only do what God directs them to do, and each shall be rewarded according to his faithfulness in doing the will of God.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
one
Paul refutes the notion that he and Cephas and Apollos are at variance, mere theologians and rival founders of sects: they are “one.” 1Co 3:22; 1Co 16:12.
reward 1Co 9:17; Dan 12:3; 1Co 3:14
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
he that planteth: 1Co 3:9, 1Co 4:6, Joh 4:36-38
and every: 1Co 4:5, 1Co 9:17, 1Co 9:18, 1Co 15:58, Psa 62:12, Dan 12:3, Mat 5:11, Mat 5:12, Mat 10:41, Mat 10:42, Mat 16:27, Rom 2:6, Gal 6:7, Gal 6:8, Heb 6:10, 1Pe 5:4, 2Jo 1:8, Rev 2:23, Rev 22:12
Reciprocal: 2Ch 15:7 – your work Psa 18:20 – rewarded Luk 19:19 – Be 1Co 3:14 – General Gal 6:5 – General Col 3:24 – ye shall
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Verse 8. These men are one in the eyes of the Lord. If each will do what he can, he will receive his due reward from God and not from any man.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
1Co 3:8. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are oneGr. one thing, co-operating to one end.
but each shall receive his own reward according to his own work. While the work is one, in one field, to one Master, on one principle, and to one end, each has his own sphere in it, his own gifts for it, his own success in it, his own reward for it. O how ought this to cheer the faithful labourer, who may be but moderately gifted, may be placed in a remote and uninviting part of the field, may have to fight with many obstacles and sore discouragements, and may live to see but little fruit of his best labour! (See Joh 4:36-38.)
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
He that planteth and he that watereth are one: that is, in their design and scope, in the aim and end of their ministry; therefore they should not be factiously divided, either among themselves or by their hearers. Although there is a variety and diversity in the gifts of Christ’s ministers, yet the intent and design of their ministry being one, they all ought to agree as one. They should be one in doctrine, and one in affection; aiming at one and the same mark, namely, the glory of God, and men’s salvation, as they are one in their office, institution, and end.
It follows, Every man shall receive his own reward, according to his own labour.
Thence learn, That every man, especially every minister, is sure to receive a proportionable reward hereafter, according to his labour and working for God here.
Learn, 2. The approbation and distinction of this reward; He shall receive his own reward: implying that there are degrees of reward and glory in heaven, according as men have laboured more or less for God here on earth: according to this gradual diversity, shall be gradual degrees of reward and glory in heaven, according as men have laboured more or less for God here on earth: according to this gradual diversity, shall be gradual degrees of glory.
Learn, 3. The measure and rule of this reward: according to the fruit of his ministry. If he labours faithfully, God will reward him proportionably, though few or none have believed his report.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
1Co 3:8-9. He that planteth and he that watereth are one United in affection, and engaged in one general design, the design of glorifying God in the salvation of souls, though their labours may be in some respect different: and hence, instead of being pleased, we are rather displeased and grieved with those invidious comparisons in favour of one against another. Our great concern is to please our common Lord, to whom we are shortly to give up our account; and from whom every man He primarily means every minister of Christ; shall receive his own reward The reward in some respects peculiar to himself; according to his own peculiar labour For as some labour with greater zeal and diligence, and others with less, so they shall be rewarded with different degrees of felicity and glory. He does not say, according to his success, because he who labours much, supposing he labours with a single eye to the glory of God, from a principle of love to him, and a conscientious regard to his will, shall have a great reward, though it may please God to give him little success. Has not all this reasoning the same force still? Ministers are still barely instruments in Gods hand, and depend as entirely as ever on his blessing, to give the increase to their labours. Without this they are nothing; with it their part is so small, that they hardly deserve to be mentioned. May their hearts and hands be more united; and, retaining a due sense of the honour God doth them in employing them, may they faithfully labour, not as for themselves, but for the great Proprietor of all, till the day come when he will reward them in full proportion to their fidelity and diligence! For we are labourers together, &c. Greek, , we are fellow- labourers of God; or, we are Gods labourers, and fellow-labourers with each other. Ye are Gods husbandry Or Gods tillage, Gods cultivated ground: a comprehensive word, taking in a field, a garden, and a vineyard. This is the sum of what went before. Ye are Gods building This refers to what follows.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Vv. 8. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one, but every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
The is here a particle of transition, but with a shade of contrast: Now, despite this difference of functions (pointed out, 1Co 3:5-7), these ministers are one. This unity is not that of their common nothingness (Bengel: Neuter aeque quidquam est), nor that of the part of simple servants (de Wette, Meyer, Heinrici, etc.); it is that of the work on which they labour together. To understand what Paul means by this unity, it is enough to consider the foregoing figures (1Co 3:6-7). Between two gardeners, one of whom plants and the other waters one and the same garden, who would think of setting up any rivalry? Would not the labour of the one become useless without that of the other? What folly, then, to disparage the one and exalt the other!
But yet there will one day bethe second is adversativea difference established between them: the difference of the reward they will receive, which will depend on the degree of their fidelity in their respective labours. This idea, expressed in the second part of the verse, is that which Paul proceeds to develop in the passage, 1Co 3:10-15. Of course it is the Master who will pass this estimate; it will take place at the day of judgment. And so what folly it is to anticipate it by comparisons made beforehand! The terms , his own reward, and , his own labour, recall the saying, Gal 6:5 : Every man will bear his own burden. The estimate of the fidelity of each servant will not rest on the comparison of it with another’s, but on the labour of each compared with his own task and his own gift. Now who else than God could pronounce such a sentence? And not only has He alone the power, but He alone has the right. This is what is brought out in 1Co 3:9.
Fuente: Godet Commentary (Luke, John, Romans and 1 Corinthians)
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one [with respect to their purposes, or the ends for which they labor: hence, not rivals]: but each shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. [Since God gives the increase, the reward will be proportioned to fidelity, etc., rather than to results.]
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
8. And he that planteth and he that watereth are one, but each one shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. What a disposition do we find to honor the revivalist who has been instrumental in the conversion of many, and lose sight of his faithful successors who came on and irrigated the crop, without which it certainly would have died. Lord, save us from worshipping men! We must remember that God Himself is the only efficient worker, and that He uses an infinite diversity of human instrumentality.
Fuente: William Godbey’s Commentary on the New Testament
Verse 8
Are one; they have one end and aim.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
1Co 3:8-9. Are one; literally, one thing they are practically the same, 1Co 11:5. Just so in the vineyard the man who plants is in a position neither better nor worse than the man who waters. These words, cautiously used, will cast light on Joh 10:30; Joh 17:11; Joh 17:21.
But each man etc.: points both to the oneness, and the individuality, of the servants of God. Because they stand in exactly the same relation to the Master, each will receive according to his labor.
Reward: suggests their humble position as men paid for their work.
Labour: not according to results, but according to the quantity and quality of his toil.
His own reward, and his own labour, exactly correspond. 1Co 3:9 a proves 1Co 3:8 b.
Fellow-workers: Rom 16:3; Rom 16:9; Rom 16:21; 2Co 1:24; 2Co 8:23; 3Jn 1:8 : a favorite word with Paul. Men are permitted to join with God in the work of salvation. And their reward will be in proportion to their toil. For God’s work will be successful: and its success will be an eternal joy to all who have labored for it. And the joy of success is always proportionate to the toil with which it has been attained.
Field: cultivated land, including the soil and the growing produce. Since the Corinthian church is a field belonging to God, those who labour in it are God’s fellow-workers.
God’s building; opens the way to another metaphor.
The question of 1Co 3:5 a is answered; and its answer reveals the folly of making Paul and Apollos heads of church-parties. They are but laborers in a vineyard, all standing in the same relation to the owner as hired servants each to be paid according to his labor.
The frequency of the foregoing metaphor proves plainly that it rests upon a far-reaching harmony of things natural and spiritual. Cp. Rom 11:16-24; Psa 1:1-3; Isa 5:1-7; Mat 13:3-30; Luk 13:6-9; Joh 15:1-6. All agriculture is man working together with God. For every pious farmer feels that his harvest is a result and reward proportionate to his own toil and skill, and yet altogether God’s gift to him. Just so, the preacher places the word of God in its appropriate soil, the human heart. And, from the preached word, in virtue of its hidden life, there springs up the beautiful and fruitful plant of a Christian believer and Christian life.