John Calvin Commentary John 9:20

"His parents answered and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:" — John 9:20 (ASV)

We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind. Therefore, it follows that he does not see naturally, but that his eyes have been miraculously opened; but this latter point — that his sight had been miraculously restored — they omit, because it would cause offense.

By their silence they show their ingratitude; for, having received such a distinguished gift from God, they should have burned with desire to celebrate His name. But, struck with terror, they bury the grace of God as far as it lies in their power, with this exception, that they substitute their son in their place as a witness, who will explain the whole matter as it happened, and who will be heard with less prejudice, and will be more readily believed.

But though they prudently avoid danger and continue this middle path, of testifying indirectly about Christ through their son, yet this does not prevent the Holy Spirit from condemning their cowardice through the Evangelist, because they fail to discharge their own duty. How much less excuse, then, will those have, who, by treacherous denial, utterly bury Christ, with His doctrine, with His miracles, with His power and grace!