Why was the dispensation of God given to Paul?
The dispensation of God was given to Paul for the benefit of the Gentiles. As the apostle of the Gentiles, he received it so he could deliver it to them, bringing the Word of God to completion and making manifest the mystery previously hidden from ages and generations.
Les teaches from Colossians 1:25 that Paul was made a minister according to the dispensation of God, which was given to him for the Gentiles. Les explains that this was given to the Apostle of the Gentiles so that he in turn could give it to the Gentiles to fulfill, or bring to completion, the Word of God. Paul also speaks of the mystery, the secret, which had been hid from ages and generations but is now made manifest to his saints. Les notes that people may not want to read these words, yet Paul constantly reminds us that we are members of the Body of Christ, a special compilation of believers from every walk in life who have believed the Gospel.
Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
Who is the “you” in Colossians 1:25 that Paul says the dispensation of God was given to him for?
The “you” refers to Gentile believers. Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, received the dispensation of God so he could give it to Gentiles. The context identifies the recipients as Gentiles, not Israel, and links them to the Body of Christ composed of believers from every walk and corner who believe the Gospel.
Why was the dispensation given to Paul the Apostle of the Gentiles?
The dispensation was given to Paul, the Apostle of the Gentiles, so he could pass it on to the Gentiles and bring the Word of God to completion. It was for their benefit, revealing the mystery hidden from ages and generations, now made manifest to the saints.