What is the dispensation or administration of the grace of God?
Scripture identifies it as the administration of God's grace rather than law, works, or legalism. Paul writes that this grace was given to him and then to Gentiles: salvation is by grace through faith, not of yourselves, not of works, so no one can boast.
Les explains that Ephesians 3:2 calls this the dispensation or administration of the grace of God—not law, not works, not legalism, but grace given to Paul and then to Gentiles. He ties it to the statement that by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast. Sacrifices from the Jewish economy, repentance, baptism, church membership, and good works do not save; they are part of salvation's reward or result. Les also notes Paul was a prisoner and bond slave on behalf of Gentiles. The law given to Moses on Sinai and the tables of stone that broke illustrate the contrast.
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
More Questions
Who was the dispensation of the grace of God given to and for whom?
The dispensation of the grace of God was given to Paul and is for the benefit of the Gentiles—'to me to you.'
What does it mean that the grace of God was given to Paul 'to you'?
The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write that the grace of God was given to him 'to you,' showing the order/process by which that grace reaches the believer, a process most people do not understand.