Matthew Poole and continuators on John 3:9

9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him , How can these things be ?

Nicodemus had before spoken, as if he thought it a thing impossible, understanding our Saviour of a carnal Generation, which he knew could not be repeated: Perceiving that he spake of a spiritual Birth, he is now posed at the Mystery of it; it being a thing, the Doctrine of which he had not been acquainted with. His carnal stupidity hindred his understanding the first Lesson of Christianity, tho explained by the Sun of Righteousness: and his pride hinder'd him from confessing his Ignorance. He rather judges the Doctrine to be absur'd and impossible. The like darkness is in every unrenewed mind; Regeneration being like that new Name, which none understand but those that have it.

Marginal references: Chap. 6.52, 60.