2 Corinthians 3:9

ἡ διακονία (BD2KLP, f Copt. Goth., Chrys.) rather than τῇ διακονίᾳ (אACDFG, d am Syrr. Aeth), but doubtfully; and δόξῃ (אABC) rather than ἐν δόξῃ (א3DFGKLP, Vulg. Arm.). The ἐν may come from 2 Corinthians 3:11.

9. The Apostle justifies (γάρ) what has just been said by showing that the same contrast holds good if we compare the two from an earlier standpoint. The Law is a διακονία τοῦ θανάτου, because it is a διακονία τῆς κατακρίσεως, and condemnation leads to death. The Gospel is a διακονία τοῦ πνεύματος τοῦ ζωοποιοῦντος, because it is a διακονία τῆς δικαιοσύνης, and righteousness leads to spiritual life; for ‘the spirit is life because of righteousness’ (Romans 8:10). In a very much higher degree the ministration of righteousness is superabundant in glory. The righteousness is that which comes through faith in Christ (Romans 1:16-17; Romans 3:22). Note that he says τῆς δικαιοσύνης, not τ. δικαιώσεως, which would be the proper antithesis to τ. κατακρίσεως. The Gospel gives not merely acquittal but positive righteousness. In the sense of ‘abound in’ περισσεύω is commonly followed by ἐν (2 Corinthians 8:7; Ephesians 1:8; Colossians 2:7, &c.); but in 1 Thessalonians 3:12 and Acts 16:5, as here, there is no preposition.

The reading τῇ διακονίᾳ (see critical note) gives: For if the ministration of condemnation has glory. But this looks like a correction to what seemed to be more accurate.