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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJames Hastings Dictionary of the NT: Administration
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The word occurs in the Authorized Version in two places, 1Co_12:5 and 2Co_9:12, in both of which the Revised Version has substituted ‘ministration,’ just as in 2Co_8:19 f. ‘administer’ (Authorized Version ) has given place to ‘minister’ (Revised Version ; Gr äéáêïíÝù ). In 1Co_12:5 and 2Co_9:12 the word is the translation of Gr. äéáêïíßá which originally means ‘the service (or duty) rendered by a äéÜêïíïò ,’ i.e. a servant, particularly a waiter at table (Lat. minister), who pours out wine to the guests individually. In 1Co_12:5 the aspect, alluded to is especially that of practical service rendered to a master [including that of ‘deacon’ rendered to our ‘Lord’], whereas in 2Co_9:12 it is particularly the concrete form of that service which is intended, in its God ward and man-ward aspects.
The administration of the Roman Empire is never directly referred to in the NT, and is best considered under its various aspects (Caesar, Proconsul, etc.).
A. Souter.