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 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.

DISPENSA'TION. This word, in its scriptural use, generally denotes a plan or scheme, or a system of precepts and principles prescribed and revealed by God for his own glory, and for the advantage and happiness of his creatures. 1 Cor 9:17; Eph 1:10; 2 Sam 3:2; Col 1:25. In the passages above cited it is supposed to mean an authority or commission to preach the gospel. The dispensation of the Law by Moses and of the gospel by Jesus Christ are examples of the use of the word in its former meaning.

DISPENSA'TION. This word, in its scriptural use, generally denotes a plan or scheme, or a system of precepts and principles prescribed and revealed by God for his own glory, and for the advantage and happiness of his creatures. 1 Cor 9:17; Eph 1:10; 2 Sam 3:2; Col 1:25. In the passages above cited it is supposed to mean an authority or commission to preach the gospel. The dispensation of the Law by Moses and of the gospel by Jesus Christ are examples of the use of the word in its former meaning.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The act of dispensing or dealing out; distribution; often used of the distribution of good and evil by God to man, or more generically, of the acts and modes of his administration. To respect the dispensations of Providence. Burke.

2. That which is dispensed, dealt out, or appointed; that which is enjoined or bestowed; especially (Theol.),

3. a system of principles, promises, and rules ordained and administered; scheme; economy; as, the Patriarchal, Mosaic, and Christian dispensations. Neither are God's methods or intentions different in his dispensations to each private man. Rogers.

4. The relaxation of a law in a particular case; permission to do something forbidden, or to omit doing something enjoined; specifically, in the Roman Catholic Church, exemption from some ecclesiastical law or obligation to God which a man has incurred of his own free will (oaths, vows, etc.). A dispensation was obtained to enable Dr. Barrow to marry. Ward.