Encyclopedia entry
Dispensation
Disambiguation
The source enumerates 2 distinct subjects under Dispensation. Jump to one below, or read in order.
(Gr. oikonomia, “management,” “economy”).
Dispensation (1)
#The method or scheme according to which God carries out his purposes towards men is called a dispensation. There are usually reckoned three dispensations, the Patriarchal, the Mosaic or Jewish, and the Christian. (See COVENANT, Administration of.) These were so many stages in God’s unfolding of his purpose of grace toward men. The word is not found with this meaning in Scripture.
Dispensation (2)
#A commission to preach the gospel (1 Cor. 9:17; Eph. 1:10; 3:2; Col. 1:25).
Dispensations of Providence are providential events which affect men either in the way of mercy or of judgement.
In the Bible
4
Verses where Dispensation is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).
- 1 Corinthians 9:17
If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.
- Colossians 1:25
I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God,
- Ephesians 1:10
as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ.
- Ephesians 3:2
Surely you have heard about the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you,
Scripture on Dispensation
4
Voices on Dispensation
15
Surfaced by name match — accuracy varies by title clarity.
Sources · Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
Public-domain text. Modernized only where archaic spelling impedes reading; original facts preserved. Verify against an authoritative modern reference before quoting.