ANSWER: The Patriarchal dispensation is generally referred as the period of time from the creation of Adam until the law was given through Moses at Mt. Sinai. During this period God spoke to, and dealt through, the heads of the families (the Patriarchs). The Mosaic dispensation began with the giving of the law at Mt. Sinai and continued until the cross of Christ. At this time the old law was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14), ushering in the Christian dispensation with all mankind being answerable only to the New Testament. This final dispensation will continue until the end of time!