The word dispensation appears four times in the King James Version. Each time it is used by Paul. The word dispensation is “oikonomia”, it comes from “oikonomous” meaning stewardship or manager of a household. Therefore, “oikonomia” refers to the actual administration of the household and the conduct within it.

Ephesians 3:1-6
In this passage, Paul clearly conveys that God has established a new house rule. This stewardship was not known in previous ages, but has now been revealed to Paul. When one studies the Bible practicing consistent and literal interpretation, the dispensational doctrine becomes very apparent.

Genesis 2:17
This is the first dispensation given. There was one commandment for men to follow. This was how God worked in creation. This is usually referred to as the Dispensation of Innocence. Sin and death did not exist within man.

Genesis 4:26
This dispensation came after the fall. Men had the capacity to understand they were separated from God. The moral law (described by Paul in Romans 1) provided the guidance for men in this dispensation. Paul also explained in Romans 5:13, that since the law was not yet in place, the sins against the law were not being held to man's account at this time. This is why Job was able to be upright and perfect before God. It is not that Job was without any sin by standards of the law, it was that he was perfect by the standards of his dispensation.

Joshua 1:8
This is the dispensation of the law. Paul explained in Galatians 3:19 that the law was given for the sake of transgression. If the Israelites kept the law, they would be prosperous and be blessed by God. This was clearly a physical and earthly promise. This was not a spiritual promise of heavenly salvation.

Matthew 4:17
This is the Gospel of the Kingdom proclaimed by Jesus. It was a promise to Israel that God would fulfill his promise and establish the kingdom of heaven on earth. This was still within the dispensation of the law. At this time, Jesus was maintaining the Messianic secret.