Matthew Henry Commentary John 9:24-34

"So they called a second time the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give glory to God: we know that this man is a sinner. He therefore answered, Whether he is a sinner, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. They said therefore unto him, What did he to thee? How opened he thine eyes? He answered them, I told you even now, and ye did not hear; wherefore would ye hear it again? would ye also become his disciples? And they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God hath spoken unto Moses: but as for this man, we know not whence he is. The man answered and said unto them, Why, herein is the marvel, that ye know not whence he is, and [yet] he opened mine eyes. We know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and do his will, him he heareth. Since the world began it was never heard that any one opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing. They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out." — John 9:24-34 (ASV)

As Christ's mercies are most valued by those who have felt their need for them, who have been blind and now see; so the most powerful and lasting affections for Christ arise from a true knowledge of Him. In the work of grace in the soul, though we cannot tell when, how, or by what steps the blessed change was accomplished, yet we can take comfort if we can say, through grace, Whereas I was blind, now I see.

I once lived a worldly, sensual life, but, thanks be to God, it is now different for me (Ephesians 5:8). The unbelief of those who enjoy the means of knowledge and conviction is indeed astonishing. All who have felt the power and grace of the Lord Jesus wonder at the willfulness of others who reject Him. He argues strongly against them, not only that Jesus was not a sinner, but that He was from God.

Each of us can know by this whether we are of God or not. What do we do? What do we do for God? What do we do for our souls? What do we do more than others?