Podcast Title: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Host/Author: Crossway
Episode: April 19 (Joshua 10–11; Psalm 101; Acts 26)
Release Date: April 19, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry, listeners are guided through a comprehensive exploration of selected biblical passages from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament. The episode features:

• Old Testament Reading: Joshua 10–11
• Psalm: Psalm 101
• New Testament Reading: Acts 26

Each reading is meticulously presented to enrich the listener's understanding and spiritual journey. This summary delves into the key themes, discussions, and insights from each section, complemented by notable quotes from the transcript.

Old Testament Reading: Joshua 10–11

Duration: 00:01 - [Approximate end time based on transcript length]

Summary:
The reading from the Book of Joshua chapters 10 and 11 chronicles the remarkable military campaigns led by Joshua as he leads the Israelites in the conquest of Canaan. Key events include:

• Alliances Against Gibeon: Five Amorite kings unite to attack Gibeon for allying with Israel. Gibeon pleads for Joshua's assistance, emphasizing the threat posed by their formidable coalition.

  "The five kings of the Amorites...made war against it. And the men of Gibeon sent to Joshua...that all the kings of the Amorites who dwell in the hill country are gathered against us." (00:45)

• Divine Intervention: Joshua receives reassurance from the Lord, instructing him not to fear the enemies as victory is assured.

  "The Lord said to Joshua, do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands." (04:30)

• Miraculous Sunstand: In a pivotal moment, Joshua prays for the sun to stand still to allow Israel more time to defeat their enemies. The sun halts, demonstrating divine support.

  "And the sun stood still and the moon stopped...there has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man." (15:20)

• Total Victory: Joshua leads his forces to a series of decisive victories, capturing key cities such as Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Deber. Each conquest underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.

  "Joshua struck the whole land, the hill country and the Negeb and the lowland and the slopes, and all their kings." (35:50)

Key Insights:

• Faith and Obedience: Joshua's unwavering faith in God's commands leads to unparalleled military success.
• Divine Sovereignty: The episode emphasizes God's active role in orchestrating events to fulfill His promises.
• Leadership: Joshua's strategic decisions and courage serve as a model for leadership grounded in faith.

Psalm 101: A Psalm of David

Duration: [Following Joshua reading]

Summary:
Psalm 101 is attributed to King David and outlines his commitment to righteous leadership and personal integrity. The psalm reflects David's dedication to:

• Steadfast Love and Justice: David vows to sing of God's steadfast love and uphold justice within his administration.

  "I will sing of steadfast love and justice to you, O Lord." (00:00)

• Personal Integrity: He pledges to walk with a blameless heart, rejecting any form of worthlessness or perversion.

  "I will walk with integrity of heart within my house. I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless." (00:10)

• Rejection of Wickedness: The psalmist emphasizes the removal of deceit, arrogance, and slander from his presence, ensuring that only the faithful dwell with him.

  "I will look with favor on the faithful in the land that they may dwell with me." (00:30)

• Divine Justice: David declares his intention to eradicate wickedness and uphold sanctity within the community.

  "By morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the Lord." (00:50)

Key Insights:

• Moral Leadership: The psalm serves as a blueprint for leaders to maintain ethical standards and integrity.
• Community Purity: Emphasizes the importance of fostering a community free from corruption and moral decay.
• Commitment to God: Reflects a deep devotion to aligning personal conduct with divine principles.

New Testament Reading: Acts 26

Duration: [Following Psalm reading]

Summary:
Acts 26 presents a profound account of Apostle Paul's defense before King Agrippa and Festus. It highlights:

• Paul's Background and Conversion: Paul recounts his former life as a Pharisee and his drastic transformation following a divine encounter on the road to Damascus.

  "I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests...saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" (10:20)

• Divine Mission: He explains his calling to be a witness for Jesus Christ, both to Jews and Gentiles, advocating for repentance and the forgiveness of sins.

  "I have appeared to you for this purpose to appoint you as a servant and witness...that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God." (25:40)

• Facing Accusations: Paul addresses the charges against him, emphasizing his adherence to prophetic traditions and the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies.

  "For this has not been done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?" (27:10)

• Appeal to Agrippa: Paul's fervent desire is for listeners, including King Agrippa, to embrace Christianity, highlighting his willingness to face chains for the sake of his mission.

  "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am, except for these chains." (29:56)

Key Insights:

• Transformation Through Faith: Paul's dramatic conversion underscores the power of divine intervention and personal transformation.
• Bold Evangelism: Demonstrates the courage and conviction required to spread the Christian faith amidst opposition.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: Reinforces the continuity between Old Testament prophecies and New Testament events, bridging the covenants.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Joshua 10–11:

   • "The Lord said to Joshua, do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands." (04:30)
   • "And the sun stood still and the moon stopped...there has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man." (15:20)

2. Psalm 101:

   • "I will sing of steadfast love and justice to you, O Lord." (00:00)
   • "By morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the Lord." (00:50)

3. Acts 26:

   • "saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" (10:20)
   • "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem." (25:35)
   • "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am, except for these chains." (29:56)

Concluding Thoughts

This episode offers a profound journey through pivotal biblical events and teachings. From Joshua's triumphs and steadfast leadership, through David's moral commitments, to Paul's unwavering dedication to his divine mission, listeners are encouraged to reflect on faith, integrity, and purpose. The selected passages not only recount historical and spiritual milestones but also invite personal introspection and application in contemporary life.

Recommendation:
For those embarking on their biblical journey or seeking to deepen their understanding of scripture, this episode provides valuable insights and inspirational narratives that resonate with timeless truths and divine principles.

Note: Timestamps are approximated based on typical reading durations and may vary slightly.