John 9:17

"Some therefore of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, because he doesn’t keep the Sabbath.” Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” So there was division among them."

Key Reflection

These verses highlight the internal conflict within the Pharisees regarding Jesus' miracles and teachings. While some questioned his divine origin due to perceived violations of traditional Sabbath laws, others acknowledged his miraculous abilities yet struggled with labeling him a sinner, illustrating their divided loyalties between religious law and the evident power of God.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 17. What sayest thou of him? &c. The translation here expresses the sense obscurely. The meaning is, "What sayest thou of him for giving thee sight ?" (Campbell); or, "What opinion of him hath this work of power and mercy to thee wrought in thee?" (Hammond). He is a prophet. That is, "I think that the power to work such a miracle proves that he is sent from God. And though this has been done on the Sabbath, yet it proves that he must have been sent by God, for such a power could never have proceeded from man." We see here, 1st. A noble confession made by the man who was healed, in the face of the rulers of the people, and when he doubtless knew that they were opposed to Jesus.

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