1 Corinthians 3:7

So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

'So then' -the application of Paul's analogy in verse 6.

'anything' -'deserves the credit' (Lam). 'The problem in Corinth is with perspective. They are viewing things from below, and as. result think altogether too highly of their teachers...Paul and Apollos do have essential tasks to perform, for which they will receive their own rewards. But they have no independent importance. from the perspective of ultimate responsibility for the Corinthians' existence as the people of God, Paul and Apollos count for nothing.' [Note:. Fee p. 132]

'These Christians, with their weak understanding of the Message of God (it isn't. philosophy) and their warped view of preachers of that Message (they aren't logicians or rhetoricians) fragmented into groups within the Body. In all that has gone before since 1 Corinthians 1:10 we have been hearing God being exalted and men being put in their place FOR THE GOOD OF MAN!. [Note:. McGuiggan p. 51]

'The present participles seem to indicate that what Paul said here has universal application. Regardless of who does the planting and watering, they are nothing in comparison with God..' [Note:. Willis p. 101]

Paul is saying, 'Without the Message of the Gospel, we wouldn't be able to bring life to anyone!'