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This is a typical statement, and holds good of all large centres. Of London, Paris, New York, Christ still says to stimulate and comfort His servants, "I have much people in this city." It is noteworthy that the main Christian attack in early times was on great cities —

1. Because they were Satan's strongholds — these captured, the rest would be a matter of detail.

2. Because Christianity appealed to and wanted to consecrate to its service the thought, activity, enterprise, and freedom which they fostered.

3. Because with the constant flow in and out of their populations, and their commercial and other influence on surrounding towns and countries, Christianity could reach the widest circle.

4. Because Christianity takes the whole human family in charge, and therefore it is natural that she should regard the centres where that family most congregates as her special sphere. Not that the villages are to be neglected: on the contrary, the villages are likely to be more efficiently evangelised when the towns are won. Paul, in his "fear and much trembling," arising partly out of his experience of city work, and partly out of the gigantic problems presented by the voluptuousness, polish, scepticism, and commercial activity of Corinth, may have been tempted to turn aside to some quieter scene of labour. If so, he was sharply aroused by the declaration of the text. Note —

I. THAT THE PEOPLE BELONG TO CHRIST.

1. This is often hard to believe. Often the opposite seems nearer the truth. Lust, drunkenness, frivolity, selfishness, ambition, infidelity, say, "We have much people in this city," and offer ample evidence in support of it. But it is untrue. They have captivated and enslaved the people, but they are usurpers. No one has a right to the people but Christ, because —

2. They are His —

(1)  By creative right. "All souls are Mine."

(2)  By the Father's gift. "Ask of Me and I shall give Thee," etc.

(3)  By redemptive purchase. "Ye are bought with a price." This is true of all — good and bad alike. But, thank God, many of the people are Christ's.

(4)  By loving conquest on His part; and —

(5)  Glad surrender and consecration on theirs.

II. THAT CHRIST CLAIMS THE PEOPLE.

I. All the people. This universal claim is based on universal right, and embraces all —

(1)  Nations. "Go ye into all the world," etc.

(2)  Sexes. "In Christ there is neither male nor female." The true rights of women have their basis in the claims of Christ.

(3)  Ages. Childhood, manhood, old age.

(4)  Ranks and classes. The claims of capital and labour will never be adjusted till the claims of Christ are settled.

(5)  Distinctions of culture — the ignorant and the educated.

(6)  Moral distinctions — the virtuous and the depraved. The true democracy will be established when "One is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren."

2. All that the people are and have.

(1)  Their intellect, for Christ's is a reasonable service.

(2)  Their heart, for He will accept nothing but from love.

(3)  Their physical faculties, for each is titled for His work.

(4)  Their wealth, for He has given them the power to get it.

(5)  Their influence.

III. THAT CHRIST'S SERVANTS SHOULD FEARLESSLY URGE CHRIST'S CLAIMS UPON THE PEOPLE.

1. What have they to fear? Rejection, persecution, death? The best of Christ's servants and the Master Himself endured all this. Should, then, any shrink when the utmost they have to contend with is a sense of personal weakness, nervous timidity, or trifling self-sacrifice?

2. On what have they to rely.

(1) A conviction of the truth. Once let the principle be finally settled that the people belong to Christ, and to a consecrated soul the work is half done.

(2) A consciousness of the Master's presence and help. What an inspiration "I am with thee" is from a general, a teacher, a leader, to soldiers, scholars, parties. Much more should it be when it is Christ's word to His followers.

(3) The assurance of success. If Christ has much people we cannot utterly fail, for the cause is His, not ours.

(J. W. Burn.)

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KJV: Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

WEB: The Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Don't be afraid, but speak and don't be silent;