While preaching in the city of Corinth, Paul was encouraged by this word from the Lord, “Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” (Acts 18:9-10)
What did the Lord mean, “I have much people in this city?” They were not already Christians. They had not yet obeyed the gospel. They were not yet a part of the church, the kingdom. So what did it mean? It meant that they were potentially the Lord’s. It meant that they were of a good and honest heart. It meant that if Paul stayed and preached, they would hear and obey.
Now we know a lot about the ancient city of Corinth. It was a very wicked city. There were, of course, people who would not accept the gospel. There were people who were more interested in the cares, riches and pleasures of this life than they were in spiritual things. But also there were “much people” who were ready to receive the word in a good and honest heart.
What about Mocksville and Davie County? There are those for whom the gospel will have no appeal. Their lives are controlled by worldly cares or riches or pleasures. Some are so caught up in religious error that they will not listen to the word of God. But surely, as in ancient Corinth, there are in our city and county “much people” who potentially are the Lord’s if we, like Paul, will just get the message to them.
Claude