Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Episode: October 14 (Isaiah 46–48; Psalm 97; Acts 21)
Host: Crossway
Air Date: October 14, 2025
Overview
In this episode, listeners journey through three profound scripture passages: Isaiah 46–48, Psalm 97, and Acts 21. The readings guide us through God's confrontation of idolatry and the promise of deliverance in Isaiah, a psalm celebrating God's reign and justice, and pivotal moments in Paul's journey to Jerusalem in Acts. The selections collectively emphasize themes of God's sovereignty, steadfastness, the futility of idols, faithful endurance amid persecution, and the sustaining power of God's presence with his people.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Isaiah 46–48: God's Sovereignty Confronts Idolatry and Promises Deliverance
- The Powerlessness of Idols
- The prophet ridicules the Babylonian idols, Bel and Nebo, describing them as burdensome objects that “cannot save the burden but themselves go into captivity” (00:11).
- Contrast: God carries his people from birth to old age (“I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save” [00:29]).
- The Uniqueness of God
- God challenges comparisons: “To whom will you liken me and make me equal and compare me, that we may be alike?” (00:34).
- God alone declares “the end from the beginning... my counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose” (00:57).
- Judgment and Mercy
- Babylon’s impending downfall foretold; its pride and occult practices cannot save (01:46).
- Despite Israel’s stubbornness, God promises salvation for the sake of his name (“For my own sake I do it... My glory I will not give to another” [03:49]).
- Reassurance of God's Faithfulness
- God laments Israel's failure to heed his commands: “Oh, that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river” (04:38).
- Repeated reminders that God’s deliverance is sure, even as he refines his people “in the furnace of affliction” (03:40).
- Memorable Quote:
“For I am God, and there is no other… my counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.” (00:54–00:58)
Psalm 97: The Lord Reigns—Call to Rejoice and Hate Evil
- Universal Reign and Awe-Inspiring Power
- “The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad” (05:25).
- God’s presence described as cloaked in clouds, lightning illuminating the world, mountains melting “like wax” (05:34).
- Demand for Exclusive Worship
- Idolatry is condemned: “All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols. Worship him, all you gods!” (05:49).
- Call to Righteousness
- Assurance: “He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart” (06:08).
- Invitation: “Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!” (06:18).
- Memorable Moment:
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.” (05:28)
Acts 21: Paul’s Costly Obedience and the Struggle for Peace in Jerusalem
- Paul’s Journey and Warnings
- Paul and his companions journey from Cos to Jerusalem, stopping to encourage and be encouraged by believers (06:25–07:14).
- At Tyre, disciples plead “through the Spirit... not to go on to Jerusalem” (06:49); in Caesarea, Agabus prophesies Paul will be bound (07:32–08:03).
- Paul’s Unwavering Conviction
- Unmoved by warnings, Paul declares,
“For I am ready not only to be imprisoned, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” —Paul (08:14)
- The community surrenders Paul's fate: “Let the will of the Lord be done” (08:23).
- Arrival in Jerusalem and Temple Tension
- Paul warmly received by the church (08:42). James and elders ask Paul to join purification rites, seeking to demonstrate Paul’s faithfulness to Jewish law and quell rumors (09:16–09:47).
- Despite his efforts, Paul is falsely accused of defiling the temple (10:29), seized, and nearly killed by a mob before Roman soldiers intervene (10:42–11:09).
- Misunderstandings and Identity
- Tribune mistakes Paul for a notorious Egyptian rebel; Paul clarifies his identity as a Jew from Tarsus and requests to address the crowd, setting the stage for his defense (11:20–12:00).
- Tension Between Law and Grace
- The passage reflects early church struggles: Jewish believers’ adherence to tradition versus Gentile converts' new freedom (09:33–09:40).
- Memorable Moment:
“Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt...?”
“I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” —Paul (11:27–11:47)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)
- “I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.” (Isaiah 46:4, 00:29)
- “For I am God, and there is no other… my counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.” (Isaiah 46:9–10, 00:54–00:58)
- “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.” (Psalm 97:2, 05:28)
- “He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.” (Psalm 97:10, 06:09)
- “For I am ready not only to be imprisoned, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” —Paul (Acts 21:13, 08:14)
- “Let the will of the Lord be done.” (Acts 21:14, 08:23)
- “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” —Paul (Acts 21:39, 11:42)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:01–05:22 – Isaiah 46–48 reading (Idols vs. the one true God, Babylon's downfall, Israel's hope)
- 05:23–06:18 – Psalm 97 reading (God’s reign and call to worship)
- 06:19–12:02 – Acts 21 reading (Paul’s journey, warnings, arrival in Jerusalem, arrest)
Tone and Language
Faithful to the ESV translation, the episode’s tone is reverent, direct, and resonant, letting the gravity of scripture speak for itself. The readings effortlessly highlight both God's justice and his loving persistence, as well as Paul’s intense courage and spiritual resolve in troubled times.
Conclusion
This episode immerses listeners in the tension between human rebellion and divine rescue, the emptiness of idols versus the faithfulness of the one true God, and the cost and calling of steadfast discipleship. Through the readings, listeners are invited to trust in God’s sovereign purpose, heed his calls to righteousness, and stand firm, even when faithfulness brings suffering or misunderstanding.