John Chrysostom

"He that planteth and he that watereth, are one." For by means of this he establishes another point also, viz. that they should not be exalted one against another. His assertion, that they are one, refers to their inability to do any thing without "God that giveth the increase." And thus saying, he permitted not either those who labored much to lift themselves up against those who had contributed less; nor these again to envy the former. …

Homily on 1 Corinthians 8 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

It could easily have happened that those who labored more than others in matters of faith would have become careless upon hearing that all is one; therefore he immediately explains his expression and says that all is one only in relation to their powerlessness to do anything without the help of God who gives the growth. But as for recompense, each one will receive a reward according to his own labor. …

Commentary on 1 Corinthians ↗

Clement of Alexandria

For each soul has its own proper nutriment; some growing by knowledge and science, and others feeding on the Hellenic philosophy, the whole of which, like nuts, is not eatable. "And he that planteth and he that watereth," "being ministers" of Him "that gives the increase, are one" in the ministry. "But every one shall receive his own reward, according to his own work. For we are God's husbandmen, God's husbandry. Ye are God's building," according to the apostle. Wherefore the hearers are not permitted to apply the test of comparison. …

The Stromata Book 1 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

The second conclusion is based on a comparison between the various ministers: He that plants and he that waters, since both are God's ministers, having nothing but what they receive from God and working only from without, are equal. Since the only ground for preferring one over another is some divine gift he has received, they are equal, so far as what they have of themselves is concerned. …

Commentary on 1 Corinthians ↗