The Dispensation Of God's Grace

Paul wrote this letter while he was imprisoned in Rome (Acts 28:16). However, he did not view himself as their prisoner, but “the prisoner of Jesus Christ” (v. 1). Because he acknowledged that everything in his life is part of God’s divine plan (Rom 8:28). The Greek word for “dispensation” is “oikonomia” which refers to administration or management. In other words, the Lord gave Paul the task of telling the Gentiles about “the grace of God” which was directly revealed to him (v. 3). Since they should also be “partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel” (v. 6). Paul was directly appointed by God’s grace (1 Cor 15:10), and placed “into the ministry” (1 Tim 1:12), to be “the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God” (Rom 15:16).

He was therefore compelled to faithfully “preach the gospel in the regions beyond” (2 Cor 10:16), because that “dispensation of the gospel is committed unto him” (1 Cor 9:17). Indeed, Paul “have kept the faith” (2 Tim 4:7), and fulfilled that duty until the very end of his life! Every bible-believing Christian has also been called to “be witnesses” (Acts 1:8), by sharing to others that Jesus Christ is the only Saviour (Jn 14:6). There is no doubt that Paul’s prison experience caused him much suffering and discomfort, yet he focused on preaching the message of God’s grace while encouraging other believers.

Like Paul, God has given us a special ministry as well. He saved us “according to His own purpose and grace” (2 Tim 1:9). He wants us to “grow in grace” (2 Pet 3:18), so we can serve Him and use our lives to be a blessing in His work. He desires to equip us with certain spiritual gifts, talents, abilities, and knowledge that we can use to “minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Pet 4:10). It is our duty then to use them for His glory! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera