Note 9 at 1Co 12:5: The Greek word translated "administrations" here is "DIAKONIA," and it means "attendance...aid...service" (Strong's Concordance). It comes from the root word "DIAKONOS." DIAKONOS was translated "deacons" three times (Php 1:1; 1Ti 3:8, and 12), "minister" fourteen times (Mt 20:26 [once]; Mr 10:43 [once]; Ro 13:4 [twice], 15:8 [once]; Ga 2:17 [once]; Eph 3:7 [once], 6:21 [once]; Col 1:7 [once], 23 [once], 25 [once], 4:7 [once]; 1Th 3:2 [once]; and 1Ti 4:6 [once]), "ministers" six times (1Co 3:5 [once]; 2Co 3:6 [once], 6:4 [once], 11:15 [twice], and 23 [once]), "servant" four times (Mt 23:11, Mr 9:35, Joh 12:26, and Ro 16:1), and "servants" three times (Mt 22:13; Joh 2:5, and 9).

From these different ways that these Greek words were translated, we can see that Paul was speaking of different ways of ministering, or using, these gifts. In other words, two people could have the same gift yet minister, or use, it differently. There is plenty of room for different ways of ministering the same gift, but it is the same Lord controlling them all. Therefore, they must conform to these guidelines that Paul was giving.