法華經義記 1.38

1.38

「與大比丘眾」此下訖「退坐一面」，是第五，出同聞眾證成一時。前言應機之教不可不傳，今未知與誰根性相應？今出此徒眾，明與此萬二千人根性相應，乃至天龍八部相應也。

"Together with a great assembly of monks…": from here down to "withdrew and sat to one side" is the fifth, presenting the assembly of co-hearers to verify "at one time". Earlier it was said that the teaching that responds to capacities cannot but be transmitted; now it is not yet known whose faculties and natures it corresponded to. Presenting this assembly clarifies that it corresponded to the faculties and natures of these twelve thousand people, and up to the eight classes of devas and dragons.