Dispensation

2018-09-28

The word “dispensation” appears four times in the Bible, and words translating the same Greek word appear a few more times. Let us briefly look at this word.

Stewardship

For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. (1 Corinthians 9:17)

Paul, whether willingly or not, had to preach the Gospel. This “dispensation” is an obligation and a stewardship entrusted to him. Paul also refers to his responsibility as a “dispensation” in Ephesians 3:2 and Colossians 1:25. This is the same word as “stewardship” in (Luke 16:2-4).

Fulness of Time

A dispensation is also an inauguration of a new era where God reveals to the world a mystery, namely, that Gentile and Jewish Christians would be united into one body. The Bible tells us,

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him (Ephesians 1:9-10)

There is no mention of “dispensations” in the Bible, indicating numerous ages; there is this one new dispensation, which was marked by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.