Bible Dictionaries
Administration

Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament

The word occurs in the Authorized Version in two places, 1 Corinthians 12:5 and 2 Corinthians 9:12, in both of which the Revised Version has substituted ‘ministration,’ just as in 2 Corinthians 8:19 f. ‘administer’ (Authorized Version ) has given place to ‘minister’ (Revised Version ; Gr διακονέω). In 1 Corinthians 12:5 and 2 Corinthians 9:12 the word is the translation of Gr. διακονία which originally means ‘the service (or duty) rendered by a διάκονος,’ i.e. a servant, particularly a waiter at table (Lat. minister), who pours out wine to the guests individually. In 1 Corinthians 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 2 Corinthians 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.

Bibliography Information
Hastings, James. Entry for 'Administration'. Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​hdn/​a/administration.html. 1906-1918.