Topical Encyclopedia The term "dispense" in a biblical context often relates to the distribution or administration of God's grace, gifts, or responsibilities among His people. While the specific word "dispense" may not frequently appear in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is woven throughout Scripture, particularly in the context of stewardship, grace, and divine providence.Stewardship and Dispensation The idea of dispensing is closely tied to the concept of stewardship. In 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Paul writes, "So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." Here, the apostle Paul emphasizes the responsibility of believers to faithfully manage and distribute the spiritual truths and gifts entrusted to them by God. Divine Grace and Gifts The dispensing of grace is a central theme in the New Testament. Ephesians 3:2 states, "Surely you have heard about the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you." Paul speaks of the grace given to him as a responsibility to be shared with others, highlighting the role of believers as conduits of God's grace. This dispensation of grace is not limited to apostles but extends to all believers, as seen in 1 Peter 4:10: "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another." Providence and Provision God's providential care is another aspect of divine dispensing. Philippians 4:19 assures believers, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." This verse reflects the belief that God dispenses His resources and blessings according to His will and purpose, ensuring that His people are provided for in every circumstance. The Dispensation of the Fullness of Times The concept of "dispensation" is also used in a broader theological sense to describe different periods or administrations in God's redemptive plan. Ephesians 1:10 refers to "the dispensation of the fullness of times," indicating a divine plan to unite all things in Christ. This reflects the overarching narrative of Scripture, where God dispenses His purposes throughout history, culminating in the reconciliation of all creation through Jesus Christ. Responsibility and Accountability The dispensing of God's gifts and grace comes with a responsibility for accountability. Luke 12:48 states, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded." This principle underscores the expectation that believers will wisely and faithfully manage what has been dispensed to them, whether it be spiritual gifts, material resources, or opportunities for service. In summary, the biblical concept of dispensing encompasses the faithful administration of God's grace, gifts, and resources, highlighting the responsibility of believers to act as stewards of what has been entrusted to them. Through this stewardship, God's purposes are fulfilled, and His kingdom is advanced. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To deal out in portions; to distribute; to give; as, the steward dispenses provisions according directions; Nature dispenses her bounties; to dispense medicines.2. (v. t.) To apply, as laws to particular cases; to administer; to execute; to manage; to direct. 3. (v. t.) To pay for; to atone for. 4. (v. t.) To exempt; to excuse; to absolve; -- with from. 5. (v. i.) To compensate; to make up; to make amends. 6. (v. i.) To give dispensation. 7. (v. t.) Dispensation; exemption. 8. (n.) Expense; profusion; outlay. Greek 632. aponemo -- to assign, apportion ... 632 (from 575 , "from" and , "to dispense the proper portion," J. Thayer) -- properly, to honor, "" (; so also in classical Gk). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/632.htm - 7k 1556. ekdikeo -- to vindicate, to avenge Strong's Hebrew 8199. shaphat -- to judge, govern... judge, govern NASB Word Usage acting like a judge (1), already he is acting (1), argue our case (1), decide (1), defend (3), deliver (1), Dispense (1), enter ... /hebrew/8199.htm - 6k Library Whether the Rulers of the People Can Dispense from Human Laws? Whether Anyone Can Dispense from an Oath? Whether the Authority of a Prelate is Required for Commutation or ... Whether Vows Admit of Dispensation? Whether Dispensing of this Sacrament Belongs to a Priest Alone? Whether the Precepts of the Decalogue are Dispensable? Whether one Can be Dispensed from Confession? Whether the Vow of Obedience is the Chief of the Three Religious ... The Preface to the Commandments The Intrepid Pioneer. Thesaurus Dispense (1 Occurrence)... To deal out in portions; to distribute; to give; as, the steward dispenses provisions according directions; Nature dispenses her bounties; to dispense medicines ... /d/dispense.htm - 7k Sabbath (126 Occurrences) Dispensation (8 Occurrences) Excuse (13 Occurrences) Debtor (7 Occurrences) Distribute (23 Occurrences) Dispenses (2 Occurrences) Miss (7 Occurrences) Administer (10 Occurrences) Spare (80 Occurrences) Resources What is Pneumatology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is incarnational ministry / incarnational theology, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org What is miracle money, and is it biblical to seek it? | GotQuestions.org Dispense: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dispense (1 Occurrence)Zechariah 7:9 Subtopics Related Terms |
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