(διακονία, λειτουργία , both usually rendered "ministry"), the period during which an office is administered (Luke 1:23). The law of Moses is called the "ministration of death" and "condemnation." It convinces men of .sin, the penalty for which is eternal death; and to this they are already condemned. The Gospel is the "ministration of the Spirit" that "giveth life;" it proceeds from the Holy Ghost; is confirmed and applied by him; and by means of it he conveys life, and all spiritual graces and benefits, to the souls of men (2 Corinthians 3:7-8). The term is also used for the distribution of alms (Acts 6:1; 2 Corinthians 9:13).