(Greek: oikonomia, "management," "economy") 1. The method or scheme according to which Text:EBD: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). 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; Ephesians 3:2; Colossians 1:25). Return to Easton's Bible Dictionary | Dispensation