Charles Ellicott Commentary John 9:16

"Some therefore of the Pharisees said, This man is not from God, because he keepeth not the sabbath. But others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such signs? And there was division among them." — John 9:16 (ASV)

This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day.—See the note on John 9:14 and the reference there. In this case, the truth of the miracle is acknowledged, but it is argued that the power by which it was performed cannot be from God, because it was exercised on the Sabbath day. The inference is that it was done by the influence of the power of evil.

Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?—This question is asked by the better group among the Pharisees, represented, as we know, by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, and perhaps by Gamaliel. They see the inference implied in the earlier question and appeal to the nature of the miracles performed. Works of mercy, and love, and power, were not the product of a life of sin or of communion with the powers of darkness.

We find evidence of this better spirit among the Pharisees previously, in the question of Nicodemus (John 7:51). This sentiment has now extended to others. The teaching concerning the earlier work on the Sabbath (John 5) has led some among them, at least, to regard this with more leniency.

And there was a division among them.—Compare the note on John 7:43.