=32, 33.= It was prophesied of the Messiah that he should restore sight to the blind (ver. 5, note). This peculiar form of miraculous cure is not narrated to have been performed by any one except Christ, unless 2 Kings 6:18, 20 be regarded as an instance; it was performed by Christ on several occasions (Matt. 9:27-30; 11:5; 12:22; 20:30-34; Mark 8:22-25); but this is the only case of the cure of one blind from birth.--=If this man was not from God he could do nothing.= The man now openly confesses his conviction, which in his previous answer he has concealed. Observe that he enunciated the same principle as Nicodemus, and in almost the same words. The declaration is spiritually true of Christ (ch. 5:19-30) and of every one of Christ’s disciples (ch. 15:5; comp. Phil. 4:13). 34 They answered and said unto him, Thou[377] wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him[378] out. [377] verse 2. [378] Isa. 66:5. =34.= Failing in their attempt to break the force of the man’s testimony, the Pharisees endeavored to discredit it by excommunicating him. Religious persecution is generally the last resort of intellectual weakness and defeat. Their declaration _Thou wast altogether born in sins_ is a reference to the fact that he was born blind. Thus they become themselves unconscious witnesses to the miracle; for their language here shows their belief that he was born blind, and the man himself affords ocular demonstration of the cure. The declaration _They cast him out_ means, not they drove him out of the court-room, as interpreted by Chrysostom, Tholuck and others, but they excommunicated him, in conformity to the resolution previously taken (ver. 22). 35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe[379] on the Son of God? [379] 1 John 5:13. 36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? 37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and[380] it is he that talketh with thee. [380] ch. 4:26. 38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.[381] [381] Matt. 14:33.