The Dispensation of Grace

“...assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you.” Verse 2.

Who ever heard of a “stewardship of grace”? We have heard a great deal on the subject of grace, but never about how it was granted to a man to conduct an entire stewardship, or dispensa­tion, in this grace. And yet, this is the case.

When Paul preached Christ crucified, portraying it graphically for the Gentiles, he did so according to a dispensation of grace. When he turned the eyes of their heart toward the mystery, Christ manifested in the flesh, he did it fully conscious of the stewardship that had been given him in grace. When he admonished and ex­horted, when he drove out the wicked man from among them, when he comforted the downcast, when he humbled those who were puffed up, he acted according to the dispensation of grace that had been entrusted to him.

Paul gave himself from his heart as a prisoner of Jesus Christ for the sake of the Ephesians. In those bonds in which he kept him­self bound, he had such tremendous power that he was able to bind and to set free, to comfort and to admonish, wherever it was needed. And everyone had to put his hand to his mouth, for they understood that the love of Christ constrained him.

Paul understood his stewardship; he was fully conscious of his ministry and his responsibility. But now he says, “If indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you.”

If the Gentiles had heard and known what Paul knew, if they had known what his stewardship was all about, they would have responded with full understanding and acceptance. The mysteries in Christ would thus have come forth more clearly. The spirit of Satan in the form of Korah, Balaam, and Cain would have been kept far away. The hearts of the fathers would have been bound to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers.

A good relationship between the Apostles and the church at large was of particular profit to the church, because it was for the church’s sake that they worked day and night. For the sake of the church the Apostles endured indescribable sufferings in the flesh so that the Word of God could be fully accomplished in them first, in order that they might comfort others with the comfort with which they themselves had been comforted in all their tribulation.

Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, served Moses from his youth and did not depart from the tabernacle. (Exodus 33:11.) He understood that the Lord spoke face to face with Moses, and he was wise to remain where there was something to learn. When Moses had grown old, the Lord said to him, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand upon him; cause him to stand before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, and you shall commission him in their sight. You shall invest him with some of your authority, that all the congregation of the people of Israel may obey.” Numbers 27:18-20.

God had been keeping His eye on this Joshua, son of Nun. He saw how faithfully he continued with Moses, how zealous he was for him. God had seen what a humble attitude of mind he had concerning his own education in the Spirit, and how he was obedient to the dispensation that Moses had been given to administer. And when the fullness of time came for Moses, the young Joshua was ready to assume his position. God honored him in the sight of all, so that they might believe and obey him just as they had followed Moses. Joshua, the son of Nun, is a shining example for the church. He esteemed the stewardship of Moses, and that is why he, too, was appointed as a steward.

Likewise, Paul wanted the Ephesians to understand his ste­wardship with them in grace. Many people today would not come to grief if only they understood their place in the body, if only they understood the dispensation of grace that was upon them. Paul had previously explained, in brief, the mystery concerning the abolishing of the enmity in the flesh of Christ. We can truly say “in brief” because all the books in the world would not do justice to this tremendous work, even if they were written by men thoroughly taught in the school of the Spirit.

Jesus Christ is “the Way.” The brothers are on this way. Each one is to be dealt with individually; no two brothers are to be treated alike. Paul exhorted each and every one with tears, all within the dispensation of grace. He wronged no one; he corrupted no one. His ministry for them and with them was always in grace. When he was sharp and used the knife of circumcision, they under­stood that their beloved Paul did so in his great love for them, in order to lead them deeper into life.

It is impossible to minister to each and every one from the pul­pit. A shepherd must know his sheep by name; he must have a thorough knowledge of their condition. Therefore he must speak with them and associate with them. However, the one who seeks his own honor, who seeks advantage, is not able to do this. Such people feel they have to be in the pulpit, attracting large crowds. This may not always be the case, but it often is. We also have quite a few examples of how God has used men with a pulpit ministry to great effect; thousands have been saved. The determining factor is the attitude of one’s heart and mind. The one who seeks what is great seldom achieves it, because he overlooks the little things and neglects the “little” people.

A shepherd must go down to the sheepfold, even if the evangelist remains in the pulpit. Paul had the spirit of revelation in the knowledge of God. He surrounded the Ephesians on all sides with his knowledge and his insight. He was like a shepherd’s staff for them when they tried to achieve something by means outside the laws of the Spirit. He was an excellent friend and guide. (As for those who opposed him, it proved to be their undoing.) They had nothing but what they had received through him, and he knew all their limitations fully. He had begotten them in Christ; he loved them and was obliged before God to cherish and protect them. To wage war against love is to wage war against God. Nobody can wage war against love and against God without being crushed.