Final answer:
John 4:38 refers to the spiritual labor done by predecessors in God's kingdom, suggesting that the disciples would benefit from that foundational work. The quotes speak to labor's broader societal and spiritual significance.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to John 4:38, which refers to a teaching of Jesus, the 'others who have labored' are those who have come before Jesus' own disciples in the spiritual work of God's kingdom. These predecessors had done the foundational labor in the spiritual field, and the disciples are now entering into the results of their efforts. The verse implies a continuity and partnership in the spiritual work across different generations.
The various quotes you provided speak to the themes of work, labor, and the contribution to a broader societal or divine effort. While from disparate sources and contexts, these quotes all recognize the importance of effort and the roles people play in a collective enterprise, whether it be societal, economical, or spiritual.
As we reflect on these texts and the idea of labor, we see the recurrent notion that work is not only about personal gain but also ties into bigger societal and spiritual narratives.