N4 p5 to Gen. 1.28. (A dispensation is a period of time during which man is tested in respect of obedience to some specific revelation of the will of God. Seven such dispensations are distinguished in Scripture. Cmt. on Ge 1:28, note 5.)

N3 to Eph. 1.10,  p. 1250 “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” This, the seventh and last of the ordered ages which condition human life on the earth, is identical with the kingdom covenanted to David (2 Sam. 7.8-17; Zech. 12.8, summary; Lk. 1.31-33; 1 Cor. 15.24, Summary), and gathers into itself under Christ all past “times”: (1) The time of oppression and misrule ends by Christ taking His kingdom (Isa. 11.3, 4). (2) The time of testimony and divine forbearance ends in judgment (Mt. 25.31-46; Acts 17.30, 31; Rev. 20.7-15). (3) The time of toil ends in rest and reward (2 Thes. 1.6, 7). (4) The time of suffering ends in glory (Rom. 8.17, 18). (5) The time of Israel’s blindness and chastisement ends in restoration and conversion (Rom. 11.25-27; Ezk. 39.25-29). (6) The times of the Gentiles end in the smiting of the image and the setting up of the kingdom of the heavens (Dan. 2.34, 35; Rev. 19.15-21). (7) The time of creation’s thralldom ends in deliverance at the manifestation of the sons of God (Gen. 3.17; Isa. 11.6-8; Rom. 8.19-21).

N4 to Eph. 1.13, p 1250 “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” (The Holy Spirit is Himself the seal. In the symbolism of Scripture a seal signifies: (1) A finished transaction Jer 32:9-10; Joh 17:4; 19:30. (2) Ownership Jer 32:11-12; 2Ti 2:19. (3) Security Es 8:8; Da 6:17; Eph 4:30.)