I is emphasized in order to balance Apollos. There is no significant contrast between Paul and Apollos; both are contrasted with God. Good News Bible‘s “seed” and “plant” are not in the Greek text, and the second phrase could mean “Apollos watered the ground”; but the meaning “the plant” is more likely in the context. Many other languages will also need objects after the verbs “planted” and “watered,” as in Good News Bible.

This verse, like 4.15 and Acts 18.1-17, suggests that Paul had established the church in Corinth, and that Apollos came later.

The strong but before God throws emphasis on the name God.

Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, 2nd edition. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1985/1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .