The dispensation of God which is given to me for you

The dispensation of God which is given to me for you

The Mystery Revealed

"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; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints." (Colossians 1:25-26, KJV)

Throughout the ages, God has worked through distinct dispensations, each revealing His purpose at its appointed time. The passage above highlights an incredible truth—Paul was entrusted with a unique dispensation, one that had never before been revealed. It was a mystery, hidden from generations past, but now made manifest.

This means that the gospel and doctrine given to Paul were not simply a continuation of what had come before. They were not an extension of the kingdom promises given to Israel, nor were they a repackaging of the message preached by the twelve apostles. Paul received something entirely new—a gospel of grace that was distinct from Israel’s prophetic program.

A Brand-New Gospel and Doctrine

Many today fail to recognise the vital distinction between the earthly ministry of Jesus to Israel and the heavenly revelation of Christ to Paul. Jesus’ earthly ministry was directed to the Jews:

"I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matthew 15:24, KJV)

His purpose was to confirm the promises made unto the fathers (Romans 15:8). The twelve apostles preached the gospel of the kingdom—the good news that Israel’s promised kingdom was at hand. Yet that kingdom program was postponed. Instead of bringing in the kingdom, Christ revealed an entirely new plan through Paul—the dispensation of grace.

Paul did not simply take the kingdom gospel and extend it to the Gentiles. He received a new gospel, one that replaced the Mosaic law and offered salvation apart from works, wholly by grace through faith in Christ.

"For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office." (Romans 11:13, KJV)

He was commissioned to preach a message distinct from that of Peter and the twelve. While they proclaimed Christ according to prophecy, Paul preached Christ according to the revelation of the mystery (Romans 16:25).

Why This Matters Today

If believers today fail to recognise Paul’s distinct apostleship, they risk misunderstanding God’s will for this present age. So many attempt to align their Christian walk with Israel’s kingdom promises, placing themselves under the law, seeking signs and wonders, or trying to follow the earthly ministry of Christ to the Jews. But the Lord has set forth a different pattern for us—the pattern of Paul.

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1, KJV)

Paul is our apostle. His doctrine is written to us, about us, and for us. His epistles provide the revelation of God’s will in this dispensation, and it is through rightly dividing the word of truth that we come to a full understanding of our position in Christ.

To ignore Paul is to ignore God’s purpose for today. To dismiss his teachings is to misunderstand the gospel of grace and the liberty we have in Christ. These scriptures are not just interesting theological concepts—they are critical for life and godliness, both now and in the ages to come.

Awakening to the Truth of God’s Word

The time for confusion is over. The time for blending doctrines that do not belong together must come to an end. The body of Christ cannot afford to remain in division and uncertainty, following traditions that mix law with grace, kingdom promises with church doctrine, and prophecy with mystery. God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), yet so many today walk in a distorted understanding of Scripture because they have not seen the truth of Paul’s unique calling.

Paul is the apostle to the body of Christ. His writings contain the direct revelation from Jesus Christ for this dispensation of grace. If we fail to recognise Paul’s position and purpose, we miss God’s will for today. If we do not rightly divide the word of truth, we risk twisting Scripture, falling into contradiction, and hindering the growth of the church.

This is a call to wake up! Get into the Word. Study it for yourself. See the undeniable truths of Scripture, rightly divided. Do not be satisfied with partial understanding—press in, search the Scriptures, and let the Word of God speak for itself.

We must share this truth. We must labour to bring others into the knowledge of Paul’s distinct apostleship. We must stand firm in sound doctrine, knowing that the will and purpose of God in this time is revealed through the mystery entrusted to Paul.

Now is the time to take Scripture seriously. Now is the time to embrace the grace doctrine. The body of Christ needs to awaken to the truth that has been hidden for ages but is now made manifest. Let us hold fast to the Word of God and proclaim this revelation boldly, for the edification of the saints and the glory of Christ.