Albert Barnes Commentary John 9:25

"He therefore answered, Whether he is a sinner, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see." — John 9:25 (ASV)

Whether he is a sinner or not, I do not know. The man had just said that he believed Jesus to be a prophet (John 9:17). By his saying that he did not know whether he was a sinner, it may be meant that though he might be a prophet, he still might not be perfect; or that it was not his place, being an obscure and unlearned man, to attempt to determine that question.

What follows shows that he did not believe that he was a sinner, and these words were probably spoken in irony to deride the Pharisees. They were perverse and full of quibbles, and were determined not to believe. The man reminded them that the question was not whether Jesus was a sinner; and that, even if that might be so, it did not settle the other question about opening his eyes, which was the chief point of the inquiry.

One thing I know, and so on. About this he could have no doubt. He therefore disregarded their quibbles. Here we may also learn:

1. That this declaration may be made by every converted sinner. He may not be able to meet the quibbles of others. He may not be able to tell how he was converted. It is enough if he can say, "I was a sinner, but now love God; I was in darkness, but have now been brought to the light of truth."
2. We should not be ashamed of the fact that we are made to see by the Son of God. No quibble or derision of men should deter us from such an avowal.
3. Sinners are perpetually shifting the real point of inquiry. They do not inquire into the facts. They assume that a thing cannot be true, and then argue as if that was a conceded point. The proper way in religion is first to inquire into the facts, and then account for them as we can.