No One Is Righteous
Reflection: No One Is Righteous
When In Rome – Romans 3:1-20
Imagine sitting at a table full of puzzle pieces. You flip them over, sort them by colour, and find the edge pieces to frame the picture. But when you look at the box for guidance, you realize there are multiple possible images. Which one are you supposed to follow?
This is the dilemma Paul presents in today’s passage from Romans. As the early church in Rome was piecing together their faith, they had different examples to look to—Rome, the Jewish law, or Jesus. Paul’s message is clear: Jesus is the only true guide.
A Level Playing Field
For the first two chapters of Romans, Paul has been dismantling the idea that one group—Jews or Gentiles—is superior to the other. He has been breaking down barriers, showing that we are all in the same boat—all in need of grace.
The Jews had been entrusted with the law, the very words of God, but many had mistaken their religious status for righteousness. Meanwhile, the Gentiles were coming to faith from outside the Jewish tradition. Both groups had different paths, but Paul insists that no one is righteous—not even one (Romans 3:10).
Paul’s point? It’s not about being Jewish or Gentile, religious or not—it’s about Jesus.
The Trap of Self-Righteousness
Paul anticipates objections from those who might think their religious background gives them an advantage. He challenges the idea that following the law perfectly (or at least appearing to) is what makes someone righteous. In reality, the law reveals our sin—it doesn’t save us.
Paul writes:
“For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin.” (Romans 3:9)
Religious knowledge doesn’t equal righteousness. Following rules isn’t the goal—transformation is. It’s not about outward appearances, but about a heart changed by grace.
Faithfulness in the Shadow of Empire
Paul also subtly critiques Rome. The empire boasted of peace and justice (Pax Romana), but it was built on oppression. He contrasts that with God’s justice, which isn’t about power and control, but about mercy and truth.
Paul pulls from the Old Testament, particularly Habakkuk, to drive this point home. Rome claimed to be the perfect model of peace, but true peace and justice come only through Jesus—not Caesar, not the law, not human effort.
Where Is Your Hope?
This passage forces us to ask: What picture are we building our lives around?
- Are we trusting in our ability to follow rules and be “good Christians”?
- Are we looking to culture and power to define success?
- Or are we fixing our eyes on Jesus—the only one who truly saves?
The law can show us our sin, but only Jesus brings us peace with God. Our faith isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about surrendering to His grace and allowing the Spirit to transform us.
So today, take a moment to reflect:
Where are you placing your trust? What example are you following? And what would it look like to truly live in the way of Jesus?