The courtroom scene is a stock image in our culture of TV courtroom drama and litigiousness. We know it even if we have never been in a courtroom ourselves. In this scene, however, the defendant who is found guilty and utters no word in defense is rare. Yet, Paul says that is our universal situation before God's judgment throne. Our mouths are shut, with no excuse. Our deeds will not save us. Only faith in the One who did not open his mouth at an unjust trial will save us at God's throne.