Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: October 15 (Isaiah 49–51; Psalm 98; Acts 22)
Host: Crossway | Date: October 15, 2025

Overview

This episode continues the journey of reading through the Bible in a year, with Jackie Hill Perry guiding listeners through Isaiah 49–51, Psalm 98, and Acts 22. The focus is on themes of God's faithfulness, the promise of salvation for all peoples, the comfort for God's afflicted, rejoicing in God’s righteous deeds, and Paul's dramatic testimony of encountering Christ and being sent to the Gentiles.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Isaiah 49–51: The Restoration and Salvation of Israel

• Isaiah’s Servant Songs highlight the calling and mission of God’s servant (believed to prophetically reference Jesus), not only to restore Israel but also to be a “light for the nations” (02:53).
• The message reassures God's people that, despite their feelings of abandonment, God has not and will not forget them:
  • “Can a woman forget her nursing child…? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” (21:02)
• The Lord declares He will deliver the oppressed, provide for the needy, and contend with those who contend against His people (26:45).
• The text transitions into a lament where Zion feels forsaken but receives divine comfort and the promise of vindication.
• There’s repeated emphasis on:
  • God’s everlasting salvation and righteousness: “My salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed.” (40:06)
  • Encouragement to not fear human oppression but to trust in the Lord’s enduring promises (44:28).
• Powerful imagery of redemption—God delivers Israel from affliction, removing the "cup of staggering" from them and giving comfort in place of wrath (52:10).

2. Psalm 98: Praise for God’s Salvation

• This Psalm is a song of exuberant praise, calling all the earth and creation itself to celebrate God’s marvelous deeds and His revealed salvation.
  • Memorable and joyful imperative:
    • “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” (63:14)
• The passage highlights God’s faithfulness to Israel and universal justice:
  • “He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.” (65:50)
• Vivid poetic imagery: rivers clapping, hills singing for joy—all creation responding to the coming of the Lord.

3. Acts 22: Paul’s Defense and Testimony

• Paul makes a defense before an agitated crowd in Jerusalem, recounting his Jewish heritage, strict Pharisaic religious training, and his former persecution of Christians (68:18).
• Paul narrates his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus:
  • “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?... I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.” (72:29)
• He shares his conversion and the pivotal role of Ananias calling him to new sight, baptism, and his divinely appointed mission:
  • “For you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard.” (76:55)
• Paul details instructions received in a vision to leave Jerusalem because his testimony would be rejected, with Jesus commissioning him:
  • “Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.” (81:33)
• The crowd’s anger erupts at this point, leading Roman authorities to attempt to flog Paul, only to be stopped when Paul invokes his rights as a Roman citizen, astonishing the officials (85:00).
• The episode closes with Paul being brought before the Jewish council for further investigation (92:15).

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

From Isaiah 49–51

• On God’s unwavering remembrance:

  “Can a woman forget her nursing child…? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”
  (21:02, Isaiah 49:15-16)

• On universal salvation:

  “I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
  (02:53, Isaiah 49:6)

• On comfort and righteous judgment:

  “My salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed.”
  (40:06, Isaiah 51:6)

From Psalm 98

• Summons to all creation:

  “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!”
  (63:14, Psalm 98:4)

• Promise of justice:

  “He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.”
  (65:50, Psalm 98:9)

From Acts 22

• Paul’s calling:

  “For you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard.”
  (76:55, Acts 22:15)

• Paul's encounter with the risen Christ:

  “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?... I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.”
  (72:29, Acts 22:7-8)

• Dramatic appeal to Roman citizenship:

  “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?”
  (85:00, Acts 22:25)

Episode Timeline

• 00:01 – 52:10: Isaiah 49–51: Servant songs, God’s promises, comfort for Zion, prophecy of restoration
• 52:11 – 65:59: Psalm 98: Call to praise, celebration of salvation, creation's response
• 66:00 – 92:30: Acts 22: Paul’s address, conversion recount, vision, commission to Gentiles, conflict with authorities

Conclusion

Through these rich passages, the episode emphasizes God’s persistent pursuit of His people, the global scope of His redemption plan, and the call to respond with praise and faith—regardless of circumstance. Paul’s fearless witness serves as a model of obedience and trust in God’s purposes. The readings remind followers of Christ’s unconditional love and faithfulness, and the unstoppable reach of His salvation.