9:17 He said, He is a prophet. A little while before he had said that a man called Jesus (Joh 9:11) healed him; now he declares that he is a prophet; a little later he is prepared to receive him as the Son of God (Joh 9:38). His convictions constantly deepened.
9:17 What sayest thou of him, for that he hath opened thine eyes? - What inference dost thou draw herefrom?
9:13-17 Christ not only worked miracles on the sabbath, but in such a manner as would give offence to the Jews, for he would not seem to yield to the scribes and Pharisees. Their zeal for mere rites consumed the substantial matters of religion; therefore Christ would not give place to them. Also, works of necessity and mercy are allowed, and the sabbath rest is to be kept, in order to the sabbath work. How many blind eyes have been opened by the preaching of the gospel on the Lord's day! how many impotent souls cured on that day! Much unrighteous and uncharitable judging comes from men's adding their own fancies to God's appointments. How perfect in wisdom and holiness was our Redeemer, when his enemies could find nothing against him, but the oft-refuted charge of breaking the sabbath! May we be enabled, by well-doing, to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
