Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Corinthians 3:9

"For if the ministration of condemnation hath glory, much rather doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory." — 2 Corinthians 3:9 (ASV)

If the ministration of condemnation be glory . . .—Many of the better manuscripts give the reading, if there be glory to the ministry of condemnation. The latter phrase takes the place here of the ministry of death (2 Corinthians 3:7). The letter, “the written law,” as such, works death, because it brings with it the condemnation that awaits transgressors. It holds out to them the pattern of a righteousness that they have never had and cannot of themselves attain, and passes its sentence on them as transgressors. Contrasted with it is the ministration that has “righteousness” as its object and result, and therefore as its characteristic attribute—the law of the Spirit of life—a law written in the heart, working not condemnation, but righteousness and peace and joy (Romans 8:1–4).