Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode Summary: October 11 (Isaiah 39–41; Psalm 94; Acts 18)
Podcast Host: Crossway
Date: October 11, 2025

Overview

In this episode, the podcast continues its daily journey through the ESV Bible, presenting readings from Isaiah 39–41, Psalm 94, and Acts 18. The selected scriptures guide listeners through pivotal moments: King Hezekiah’s dealings with Babylonian envoys and ensuing prophecy, God’s declarations of comfort and power for His people, a Psalmist’s plea and affirmation of God’s justice, and the Apostle Paul’s missionary endeavors in Corinth and beyond. The unifying theme is God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and the call to trust Him in uncertainty and opposition.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Isaiah 39–41: From Hezekiah’s Pride to Divine Comfort and Power

• Hezekiah’s Audience with Babylonian Envoys (00:01–03:00)

  • Hezekiah, after recovering from illness, welcome Babylonian envoys and shows them all his treasures and armory.
  • Isaiah warns Hezekiah that all these riches will eventually be carried off to Babylon and his descendants will serve there.
    • Quote ([02:05]): “Hear the word of the Lord of hosts...all that is in your house ... shall be carried to Babylon.”
    • Hezekiah responds with resignation, thinking only of peace in his own lifetime.

• God’s Comfort and Messianic Hope (03:01–06:00)

  • Opening of Isaiah 40 is an iconic message of consolation to Israel: “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.”
  • The prophecy of a voice “crying in the wilderness” (fulfilled in John the Baptist) and the vision of God’s glory revealed to all humanity.
    • Quote ([04:00]): “All flesh is grass ... but the word of our God will stand forever.”
  • God is described in majestic, incomparable, and compassionate terms—He rules with might, tends as a shepherd, and sustains His people.

• The Greatness of God and the Folly of Idolatry (06:01–11:00)

  • God’s sovereignty is exalted above all nations and gods; idols are depicted as human-made and powerless.
  • The Lord’s might is revisited, highlighting His creative work, wisdom, and authority.
    • Quote ([09:30]): “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God ... He gives power to the faint.”
  • Famous promise of renewed strength for those who trust in God:
    • Quote ([10:00]): “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.”

• God’s Assurance to Israel (11:01–16:00)

  • God calls Israel “my servant,” insists He has not cast them off, and repeatedly calls them not to fear.
    • Quote ([13:10]): “Fear not, for I am with you...I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
  • Promises of deliverance and provision to the poor, needy, and isolated.
  • Condemnation of idols and those who rely on them as “nothing” and “empty wind.”

Psalm 94: A Plea for Justice and God’s Faithful Judgement (16:01–19:00)

• Cry for Vengeance and Divine Justice

  • The Psalmist calls on God as the Judge to act against the proud and wicked.
    • Quote ([16:05]): “O Lord, God of vengeance. O God of vengeance, shine forth. Rise up, O Judge of the earth.”
  • The suffering and injustice faced by God’s people—widows, sojourners, fatherless—are highlighted, along with the arrogance of the oppressors.

• Reflection on God’s All-Knowing Nature

  • The Psalmist challenges the doubts of fools, affirming that God, who makes the ear and eye, surely hears and sees.
  • Comfort is found in God’s discipline and instruction.
    • Quote ([17:00]): “Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law.”

• God’s Enduring Help and Refuge

  • The Lord is described as the stronghold and refuge for the oppressed.
    • Quote ([18:10]): “But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.”
  • God’s ultimate victory over wickedness and His comfort for those facing overwhelming cares.

Acts 18: Paul’s Ministry in Corinth and Ephesus (19:01–29:00)

• New Mission Field in Corinth and Encouragement (19:01–22:00)

  • Paul arrives in Corinth, meets fellow tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla, and partners with them.
    • Spends Sabbaths reasoning in the synagogue; Silas and Timothy join him.
  • Faces opposition from the synagogue Jews; declares he will now go to the Gentiles.
    • Quote ([21:30]): “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
  • Encouraged by a vision from the Lord:
    • Quote ([22:00]): “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you … for I have many in this city who are my people.”

• Persecution, Persistence, and Justice (22:01–24:00)

  • Paul is brought before Gallio by local Jews; Gallio refuses to judge on religious matters and expels the accusers.
  • Despite some violence, Paul remains unharmed and continues his work.

• Travels, Discipling, and Rise of Apollos (24:01–29:00)

  • Paul stays on, then embarks on new journeys through Syria, Ephesus, Caesarea, Antioch, Galatia, and Phrygia, strengthening disciples everywhere.
  • Introduction of Apollos in Ephesus: an eloquent, knowledgeable man who teaches Jesus accurately but only knows John’s baptism.
  • Priscilla and Aquila privately explain the “way of God more accurately” to Apollos.
    • Apollos proves instrumental in strengthening believers in Achaia and publicly refuting Jews, affirming Jesus as the Christ.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Hezekiah’s Resignation ([02:45]):
  “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good. For he thought, there will be peace and security in my days.” — Hezekiah

• The Everlasting Word ([04:10]):
  “The grass withers, the flower fades…but the word of our God will stand forever.”

• God’s Unique Power and Tenderness ([09:45]):
  “He gives power to the faint…and to him who has no might he increases strength.”

• God’s Nearness and Promise ([13:10]):
  “Fear not, for I am with you… I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

• Cry for Divine Justice ([16:05]):
  “O Lord, God of vengeance. O God of vengeance, shine forth.”

• God’s Refuge for the Oppressed ([18:10]):
  “But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.”

• Paul’s Shift to the Gentiles ([21:30]):
  “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

• Apollos’ Ministry and Humility ([28:15]):
  “[Priscilla and Aquila] took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Isaiah 39: Hezekiah and Babylon — 00:01
• Isaiah 40: Comfort and Glory — ~03:00
• Isaiah 41: God’s Assurance and Challenge to Idols — ~11:00
• Psalm 94: Cry for Justice — ~16:00
• Acts 18: Paul in Corinth and Safeguarded Mission — ~19:00
• Apollos in Ephesus & Achaia — ~26:00

Tone

The episode maintains a solemn, scriptural tone, letting the text’s gravity, comfort, and reassurance come through. The readings encourage awe for God’s power, assurance in His faithfulness, and perseverance in faith and mission, regardless of adversity.

Perfect For:

Listeners seeking a structured daily engagement with Scripture, reflection on God’s sovereignty and comfort, and inspiration from the New Testament Church’s persistence and growth. This episode’s passages reinforce the steadfastness of God’s word, hope amid hardship, and the unstoppable advance of the Gospel.