DISPENSATION

The Greek word oikonomia is rendered "dispensation" several times in the New Testament (see 1 Cor. 9:17; Eph. 1:10; 3:2, 9; Col. 1:25). Sometimes the word suggests the idea of managing a household and is rendered as "stewardship" (Lk. 16:2, 3, 4; 1 Cor. 9:17). On other occasions, the word implies a plan that has been arranged (Eph. 1:10; 3:9). The term may suggest appropriate "training" in divine instruction (1 Tim. 1:4).

Dispensation is commonly used to refer to a period of time. In Bible studies, it is frequently used to reference the major epochs in which God has operated in implementing the plan of redemption.

The Patriarchal dispensation extended from the creation of the human family to the beginning of the Mosaic period. During this period, God chose the Hebrews as a special people through whom to send Christ (Gen. 12:1ff). In this age, God spoke to humanity through select prophets. Worship was administered by the father in each family (cf. Job 1). The term patriarch aptly describes this period, highlighting the father's role as priest for his family.

The Mosaic dispensation began at Sinai, when Jehovah gave the law of Moses to the Israelite people, thereby separating them from the nations of the world as a redemptive means preparatory to the sending of his Son (Gal. 3:24-25; 4:4). Only the nation of Israel was under this code, with its priestly function centralized in the descendants of Aaron, Moses' brother. The rest of humanity remained under the patriarchal system. The Mosaic religion was terminated at the cross (Col. 2:14ff); it ended politically with the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.

The Christian dispensation began on the day of Pentecost and will end at the return of Christ (Isa. 2:2-4; Dan. 2:44; Joel 2:28-30; 1 Cor. 15:24-26), giving way to the eternal order of things.