Dispensation: (Gr. oikonomia, "management," "economy").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.
2. A commission to preach the gospel
(1 Corinthians 9:17; Ephesians 1:10; 3:2)
(Colossians 1:25) Dispensations of Providence are providential events
which affect men either in the way of mercy or of judgement.
