Ephesians 1:9–10 | The Dispensation of the Fullness of Times

having made known to us the mystery of His desirous will, according to the good pleasure, which He purposed in Him in the dispensation of the fullness of times, to gather all things in the Christ, the things upon the heavens and the things upon the earth, in Him (Ephesians 1:9–10).

The dispensation of the fullness of times and the dispensation of grace are the two dispensations specifically named in Scripture (Ephesians 3:2). The names of the other five dispensations are derived from their content. A dispensation is a period of time in which God reveals something about mankind to mankind. The term itself is derived from the concept of a household law. Each dispensation has a steward, household members, and specific rules by which the household is expected to govern their conduct. Although the period of the Mosaic Law is not specifically titled in Scripture as a dispensation, Hebrews 3:2 describes Moses as the household servant; thus, the steward of the household of Law. The final dispensation is the fullness of times. This period is also known as the Millennial Kingdom or 1,000-year reign of Christ (Revelation 20:4).

Rightly dividing the word of truth relates to understanding the concept of dispensations. From the three revealed dispensations, we are able to discern the requirements to which a period of time must adhere in order to be considered a dispensation. We do not interpret Scripture through dispensationalism, which is a theological system no better than Reformed theology, Covenant theology, or Catholicism. Theological systems always impose an interpretation upon Scripture. The effects of theology on Scripture are fully displayed in the many different English translations. In the NKJV, a literal translation, dispensation is used in Ephesians 1:10, which is correct according to the original manuscripts. In the NIV, a dynamic equivalent translation, the word is completely removed, stating, “to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment.” The NASB, a literal translation, uses “administration,” where the ESV chose “plan.” In Ephesians 3:2, the NIV chose to employ “administration,” whereas the others use “stewardship.”

The concept of a dispensation in Scripture relates to a household and its rules. When a household fails, judgment comes upon it, and a new household under new rules is set up. When words like “administration” or “plan” are used to interpret the Greek word “dispensation”, they leave open room for mixing the rules of one household with another. An “administration” may manage things differently, but it does not require changing the laws.

Scripture states that those under grace are not under law (John 1:17). Because the Christian is not under law, he is free from his sin nature to live out the righteousness he now possesses in Christ (Romans 6:14). The Christian is led by the Spirit, not by law (Galatians 5:18). This is a stark difference from those who were under law for they were required to keep all aspects of the law to retain his life (Romans 10:5). The Christian lives out from faith (Romans 1:16). The law is not out from faith (Galatians 3:12).

Rightly dividing Scripture means taking the portions written to the Church and applying them only to the Church. The areas where God is addressing Israel, saints before Israel, and those in the Tribulation and Millennial kingdom after the Church is resurrected should not be reinterpreted for Christian application. They are for the Church’s admonishment, not practice (1 Corinthians 10:11). The Church has a new covenant, built on better promises, that relates to a different priesthood (Hebrews 8:6).

Those in Christ have something better.

God has made known to us that this final dispensation wraps up all things in Christ. After Christ has reigned for a thousand years, He turns His kingdom over to the Father, who then brings an end to all authority and power in the new heavens and new earth. (1 Corinthians 15:24; 2 Peter 3:13).