2 Corinthians 3:8

Ministration of the spirit. The ministry of salvation, which imparts life, is designated as (1) “the ministry of reconciliation” (ch. 5:18), that is, a ministry by which men are reconciled to God; (2) “the ministration of the spirit” (ch. 3:8); (3) “the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4); and (4) “the ministration of righteousness” (2 Cor. 3:9), that is, a ministry by which men may learn how to become righteous (see on Rom. 8:3, 4). The argument is from the lesser to the greater. This passage presents a series of contrasts, the letter and the spirit, the glory that fades and the glory that remains, condemnation and righteousness, Moses and Christ. The latter, in each instance, is infinitely superior to the former (see Heb. 3:1–6).