"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase." (I Corinthians 3: 6, 7 KJV)
By God "giving increase" to the planting and watering of the disciples with the word of God, he means his causing germination and growth. Again, we recall the words of the Psalmist who said - "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." (Psalm 127: 1 KJV)
All is made to depend upon the blessing of God. Seed does not grow and produce fruit apart from God's blessing it, or causing it to be productive.
Paul again lays the ultimate and final reason for why one becomes a Christian and another does not, though both hear the gospel and have equal opportunity for salvation. In the one case, it was blessed and made to germinate and grow. In the other, it was labor in vain, building in vain, for the Lord did not bless or give increase.
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