Commentators consistently highlight the paradox in Paul's ministry. He uses words like 'labor' and 'striving' (from the Greek for an athlete's agonizing effort), signifying intense personal exertion. However, this effort is entirely dependent on and fueled 'according to his [God's] working.' This teaches that Christian service involves our full, strenuous effort, which is paradoxically energized by God's mighty power, not our own.