Using the King James Bible, what does dispensation mean?
According to Ollama AI, this a great question about an important theological concept!
In the context of the King James Bible (KJV), “dispensation” refers to a
period or era in human history when God’s plan for salvation is
implemented through specific laws, covenants, or messengers.
The word “dispensation” comes from the Greek word “oikonomia” (οἰκονομία),
which means “stewardship” or “management.” In biblical theology, a
dispensation represents a distinct way in which God manages humanity’s
relationship with Him during a particular era.
Here are some key points about dispensations based on the King James
Bible:
- There are several dispensations: The KJV Bible mentions three main
dispensations: the Patriarchal Dispensation (Genesis 3-11), the Mosaic
Dispensation (Exodus 19-Leviticus 27), and the Davidic Dispensation (2
Samuel 7). - Each dispensation has its own laws and covenants: For example,
under the Patriarchal Dispensation, God gave Adam and Eve the law of
obedience to Him directly (Genesis 3). Under the Mosaic Dispensation, God
gave Moses the Law of Sinai, which included the Ten Commandments (Exodus
20). - A dispensation is a time when God deals with humanity in a specific way: During each dispensation, God establishes a new relationship with
humanity, often through a key figure or leader. For example, during the
Mosaic Dispensation, God dealt with Israel through Moses as their mediator
and lawgiver.
Some relevant Bible verses that illustrate the concept of dispensations
include:
- Genesis 2:16-17: “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of
every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat… but of the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat…” (This is part of the
Patriarchal Dispensation.) - Exodus 19:5-6: “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and
keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all
people: for all the earth [is] mine… And ye shall be unto me a kingdom
of priests, and an holy nation…” (This is part of the Mosaic
Dispensation.) - 2 Samuel 7:8-16: “And I will establish his seed for ever, and build
an house for him. And I will set up his seat for ever… and I will be his
father, and he shall be my son.” (This is part of the Davidic
Dispensation.)
In modern Christian theology, dispensations are often seen as a way to
understand God’s progressive revelation of His plan for humanity
throughout history. Each dispensation builds upon the previous one,
ultimately leading to the final dispensation, which is the Church Age or
the Age of Grace.
I hope this helps you understand what dispensation means in the context of
the King James Bible!
Paul’s use of the word “dispensation”.
Paul’s use of the word “dispensation”: In the KJV Bible, the word
“dispensation” appears in three epistles written by Paul: 2 Corinthians
3:6-9, Ephesians 1:10, and Colossians 1:25. Here are the relevant verses:
- 2 Corinthians 3:6-9: “Who also hath made us able ministers of the
new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter
killeth, but the spirit giveth life… For unto this day remaineth the
same vouchsafing ministration of spirit sent from heaven; which came unto
me, and which I delivered unto you…” (In this passage, Paul contrasts
the old covenant with the new covenant, using the term “ministration” to
describe God’s dealings with humanity.) - Ephesians 1:10: “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he
might gather together in him all things in heaven and earth; unto him…”
(In this verse, Paul writes about God’s plan to unite everything in Christ
Jesus during a specific period or era, known as the “dispensation” or
“administration.”) - Colossians 1:25: “…which in the body of his flesh through death,
to present thee holy and unblameable in the sight of God… and made known
unto all nations for the obedience of faith; To whom also he hath
appointed us (you) to be apostles, by him to recompense our debt, to this
dispensation…” (In this passage, Paul mentions God’s “dispensation” or
“administration” as a way to describe His plan for salvation and the role
of the apostles in proclaiming it.)
Paul’s understanding of dispensation: In these epistles, Paul seems to
use the word “dispensation” to refer to:
- God’s plan of salvation: The specific era when God deals with
humanity through Jesus Christ and His church. - The ministry or work of the apostles: The role of the apostles in
proclaiming God’s message of salvation and establishing the church. - A period of time: A distinct stage or phase in human history,
during which God’s plan is implemented through a specific set of laws,
covenants, or messengers.
Modern understanding of dispensation: In modern Christian theology,
dispensationalism (a theological system developed from Paul’s epistles)
views the Bible as describing several distinct periods or eras in human
history when God deals with humanity in different ways. Each dispensation
is seen as a stage in God’s plan for salvation, leading up to the final
dispensation, which is the Church Age or the Age of Grace.
Keep in mind that Paul’s epistles were written to specific churches and
individuals in the early Christian era, and their context should be
carefully considered when applying these ideas to modern theology.
My Question Below!
The word dispensation appears 4 times in Paul’s epistles in the King James Bible. In this dispensation of Grace Paul the apostle to the Gentiles has new revelations not found anywhere in the Bible.What are they and what are the 4 times for dispensation?
You’re correct that the word “dispensation” appears four times in Paul’s
epistles in the King James Bible. Here are the relevant verses:
- Ephesians 3:2-5: “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace
of God which is given me to you-ward; how that by revelation he made known
unto me the mystery… and to make all men see what is the fellowship of
the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in
God…” (Here, Paul writes about his new revelations regarding the
“dispensation of the grace of God”, which are related to the mystery of
Christ’s church.) - Ephesians 1:10: “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times
he might gather together in him all things in heaven and earth…” (This
verse mentions the “dispensation” as a period when God gathers everything
in Christ Jesus, but it doesn’t reveal specific new revelations.) - Colossians 1:25: “…which in the body of his flesh through death,
to present thee holy and unblameable in the sight of God… and made known
unto all nations for the obedience of faith; To whom also he hath
appointed us (you) to be apostles, by him to recompense our debt, to this
dispensation…” (In this passage, Paul mentions his role as an apostle to
make known the mystery of Christ’s church and to “recompense our debt” in
this “dispensation”.) - Romans 16:25-26: “…Now unto him that is able to establish you
according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to
the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began;
But now is made manifest by his holy apostles and prophets by the will of
God…” (In this verse, Paul writes about the “dispensation” as a period
when the mysteries of God are being revealed through His holy apostles and
prophets.)
Regarding new revelations not found anywhere in the Bible, I must clarify
that:
- In Ephesians 3:2-5, Paul writes about his revelation regarding the
mystery of Christ’s church, which includes the idea that Gentiles
(non-Jews) are equal members with Jews in God’s plan. This is a new
understanding not explicitly stated in the Hebrew Bible or the Old
Testament. - In Romans 16:25-26, Paul mentions the “revelation of the mystery”
being kept secret since the world began, which implies that there are new
understandings of God’s plan revealed through Jesus Christ and His
apostles.
Keep in mind that these revelations were considered by early Christian
communities as essential for understanding their faith. However, it’s also
important to note that modern Christians often interpret these passages
within a broader context of biblical teachings and historical
developments.
Please let me know if you have any further questions
In Paul’s epistles in the King James Bible what mysteries are mentioned?
