Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: October 1 (Isaiah 10–12; Psalm 85; Acts 8)
Date: October 1, 2025
Host: Crossway

Main Theme and Purpose

This episode is part of a year-long journey through the ESV Bible with Jackie Hill Perry. Each day features sequential readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms. The core aim is to absorb Scripture throughout the year, hearing both reading and connecting themes across different parts of the Bible. In this episode, the journey covers God’s judgment and restoration in Isaiah 10–12, a call for revival and mercy in Psalm 85, and a pivotal moment of church expansion, persecution, and conversion in Acts 8.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Isaiah 10–12: God’s Judgment, Promise, and Restoration

• Judgment on Oppression and Arrogance (Isaiah 10)

  • God denounces those who perpetuate injustice:
    • “Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees… to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor…” (00:01)
  • The coming punishment will leave nowhere to flee:
    • “What will you do on the day of punishment… To whom will you flee for help?” (00:19)
  • Assyria is portrayed as God’s instrument of judgment, but their arrogance means their downfall is also decreed:
    • “Shall the axe boast over him who hews with it?” (01:16)

• Hope for a Remnant (Isaiah 10:20-27)

  • Even as judgment comes, a faithful remnant will return:
    • “A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God” (01:48)
  • God encourages his people not to fear oppressive empires because his anger will pass and their burden will be lifted.

• The Coming Messiah and Restoration (Isaiah 11)

  • Begins with a messianic prophecy:
    • “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse…” (02:30)
    • Depicts a ruler endowed with God’s Spirit, wisdom, and righteousness.
  • Vision of cosmic peace:
    • “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat…” (02:48)
    • “For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (03:08)

• Praise and Thanksgiving (Isaiah 12)

  • A future of rejoicing and safety for God’s people.
    • “You will say in that day: I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me.” (03:47)
    • God is celebrated as strength, song, and salvation.

2. Psalm 85: A Prayer for Revival and Restoration

• The psalmist remembers God’s past mercy and asks for new deliverance.
  • “Lord, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin.” (04:30)
  • Honest questioning of God’s anger:
    • “Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations?” (04:44)
  • Hope for spiritual renewal:
    • “Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.” (04:52)
    • Striking poetic images of harmony:
      • “Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other … Righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way.” (05:02)

3. Acts 8: Persecution, Expansion, and the Gospel Crossing Boundaries

• Persecution Scatters the Church

  • After Stephen's martyrdom, “there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem,” forced believers out, “except the apostles.” (05:30)
  • Saul (the future Paul) is seen persecuting the church, “ravaging the church and entering house after house.” (05:40)

• Philip Ministers in Samaria

  • Philip goes to Samaria, preaches Christ, and performs miracles.
    • “And the crowds, with one accord, paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did.” (05:56)
    • “So there was much joy in that city.” (06:08)
  • The story of Simon the Magician, who is amazed by the power of the Spirit:
    • Simon, previously revered for his magic, believes and is baptized, but then tries to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit.
    • Peter sternly rebukes him:
      • “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!” (07:24)
      • “Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord…” (07:34)

• Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

  • Philip obeys an angel and meets an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah.
    • “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asks. The eunuch responds, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” (08:20)
    • Philip explains the Scriptures and preaches Jesus, leading to the eunuch’s spontaneous baptism:
      • “See, here is water. What prevents me from being baptized?” (08:50)
    • After baptism, the Spirit carries Philip away; the eunuch rejoices and continues his journey spiritually transformed.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On God’s Justice and Humility
  • “Shall the axe boast over him who hews with it?” (Speaker: Isaiah, 01:16) — a powerful illustration of God’s sovereignty over human pride.
• On God’s Salvation
  • “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid.” (Speaker: Isaiah, 03:57)
• On Desiring the Spirit for the Wrong Reasons
  • “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!” (Speaker: Peter, 07:24)
• On Guidance and the Gospel
  • “How can I, unless someone guides me?” (Speaker: Ethiopian eunuch, 08:22)
  • “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture, he told him the good news about Jesus.” (08:32)
• A Picture of Gospel Joy and Expansion
  • “And he baptized him… and the eunuch saw him no more and went on his way rejoicing.” (09:07)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01 – 04:17 — Reading of Isaiah 10–12 (Judgment, a coming Messiah, songs of praise)
• 04:30 – 05:14 — Reading of Psalm 85 (Prayer for revival)
• 05:30 – 09:19 — Reading of Acts 8 (Persecution, Philip’s ministry, Simon Magus, Ethiopian eunuch)

Episode Flow and Tone

The episode is entirely dedicated to the direct reading of Scripture with a steady, reverent tone. There is no added commentary or conversation; it’s designed for immersion in the biblical text. The readings move from sobering warnings and soaring hope (Isaiah), to earnest pleas for renewal (Psalm), ending with powerful stories of the gospel flourishing in new territories (Acts).

This episode invites listeners to meditate on God’s justice and mercy, His plans for restoration through Christ, and the ever-expanding reach of the gospel despite persecution and misunderstanding.