Albert Barnes Commentary John 3:9

"Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?" — John 3:9 (ASV)

How can these things be? Nicodemus was still unwilling to admit the doctrine unless he understood it. We have here an instance of a man of rank stumbling at one of the plainest doctrines of religion, unwilling to admit a truth because he could not understand how it could be, when he daily admitted the truth of facts in other things which he could just as little comprehend. And we may learn:

1. That men will often admit facts on other subjects, and be greatly perplexed by similar facts in religion.
2. That a significant part of men's difficulties is because they cannot understand how or why a thing is.
3. That men of rank and learning are as likely to be perplexed by these things as those in the most obscure and humble walks of life.
4. That this is one reason why such men, particularly, so often reject the truths of the gospel.
5. That this is a very unwise treatment of truth, and a way which they do not apply to other things. If the wind cools and refreshes me in summer—if it prostrates the oak or lashes the sea into foam—if it destroys my house or my grain, it matters little how it does this; and so it is with the Spirit. If it renews my heart, humbles my pride, subdues my sin, and comforts my soul, it is a matter of little importance how it does all this. It is sufficient for me to know that it is done and to taste the blessings that flow from the renewing and sanctifying grace of God.