Note 17 at Eph. 1:10: A dispensation is simply a period of time in which God deals with mankind in a certain way. Some scholars have designated seven different dispensations of God's dealings with mankind (see note 4 at 1 Cor. 9:17, p. 906). The two dominant dispensations in scripture are the dispensation of law and the dispensation of grace or as some call it, the church age in which we now live (see note 1 at Lk. 16:16, p. 360).

Here, Paul is speaking about the end of this dispensation of grace or the Millennium when Christ will rule supreme over all.

Note 18 at Eph. 1:10: The New International Reader's Version translates verses 9 and 10 as, "He showed us the mystery of his plan. It was in keeping with what he wanted to do. It was what he had planned through Christ. It will all come about when history has been completed. God will then bring together all things in heaven and on earth under one ruler. The ruler is Christ." Today's English Version translates verse 10 as, "To bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head."

These translations are in keeping with what Paul is saying because the phrase "gather together in one" comes from one compound Greek word meaning "to sum up." This Greek word, ANAKPHALAIOMAI, contains the word KEPHAL, meaning head. The thought is that God is bringing everything together under the headship or Lordship of Jesus. That has always been God's purpose and plan and it will be accomplished. Anyone who does not have Jesus Christ as preeminent and Lord over his life is entirely out of focus with the eternal purpose of God.

Note 19 at Eph. 1:10: The things that God will bring together and subjugate under Christ are not spelled out for us. But certainly they include angels and men, as well as the government of heaven and the government of earth. All of these will be ruled over by Christ from one throne. We will live together with all of God's creation (angels included) on the new earth (see 2 at Mk. 12:25, p. 439).