Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: October 16 (Isaiah 52–55; Psalm 99; Acts 23)
Date: October 16, 2025
Host: Crossway

Episode Overview

This episode features daily readings from Isaiah 52–55, Psalm 99, and Acts 23. The episode journeys through prophetic promises of redemption in Isaiah, celebrates God’s holiness and justice in Psalm 99, and follows Paul through intense opposition and divine protection in Acts. The main theme centers on God’s steadfast commitment to his people: promising restoration, justice, compassion, and faithful fulfillment of his word across history.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Isaiah 52–55: The Promise of Redemption and the Suffering Servant

• Restoration of Zion (Isaiah 52)

  • God calls Jerusalem to awake, shake off captivity, and dress in beauty for her coming deliverance.
  • The Lord declares, “You are sold for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money.” (01:30)
  • The messengers bring “good news” and proclaim, “Your God reigns.” (03:15)

• The Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53)

  • A prophetic portrayal of the Messiah:
    • He is “despised and rejected,” “a man of sorrows…tempted in every way” (05:25).
    • His vicarious suffering: “He was pierced for our transgressions…with his wounds we are healed.” (06:05)
    • The Servant remains silent under affliction, likened to “a lamb that is led to the slaughter.” (07:10)
    • His death atones for “the iniquity of us all.” (08:45)
    • The Lord “shall see and be satisfied” in the Servant’s suffering, bringing righteousness to many (09:55).

• Joyful Restoration & Divine Love (Isaiah 54)

  • The “barren one” is called to rejoice—God transforms desolation into abundance (11:00).
  • God’s covenant love is unfailing: “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you…” (12:10)
  • A promise of protection: “No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed…” (14:00)

• Invitation to God’s Grace (Isaiah 55)

  • An open call: “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters…and buy without money and without price.” (15:15)
  • God’s abundant pardon: “Let the wicked forsake his way…and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” (16:20)
  • God’s sovereign purpose: “My thoughts are not your thoughts…the word…shall not return to me empty…but it shall accomplish that which I purpose.” (17:35)
  • Promise of joy and lasting transformation: “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace…” (18:10)

2. Psalm 99: God’s Holiness and Justice

• Praise and Awe (Psalm 99:1–5)

  • Emphasis on the Lord’s kingship and holiness: “The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble…Holy is he.” (19:05)
  • God establishes justice and equity—worthy of worship at his “footstool.” (20:00)

• Faithfulness to His People (Psalm 99:6–9)

  • Remembering Moses, Aaron, and Samuel—God answered their prayers and forgave, yet held to his righteousness (20:45).
  • The psalm ends in worship: “Exalt the Lord our God…Holy is he!” (21:30)

3. Acts 23: Paul before the Council and God’s Protection

• Paul Confronts the Council (Acts 23:1–5)

  • Paul claims a clear conscience; is struck on the mouth at the high priest’s command (22:10).
  • Paul’s rebuke: “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall!” (22:40)
  • On realizing the authority, he cites, “You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.” (23:05)

• Division Over Resurrection (Acts 23:6–10)

  • Paul exploits the Pharisee/Sadducee split: “It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” (23:40)
  • Violent dissension erupts; Paul is removed by force for his safety (24:10).

• Divine Encouragement (Acts 23:11)

  • Night vision: “The Lord stood by him and said, ‘Take courage. For as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.’” (25:05)

• Murder Plot Revealed (Acts 23:12–22)

  • Over 40 Jews conspire to kill Paul; their plot is foiled by Paul’s nephew (26:00).
  • The tribune believes the young man; “Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.” (27:05)

• Paul Transferred Under Guard (Acts 23:23–35)

  • A military escort takes Paul safely to Caesarea for a hearing before Governor Felix (28:00).
  • The letter explains Paul’s innocence regarding capital charges and the Jewish plot (29:20).
  • Paul is held in Herod’s praetorium awaiting his accusers (30:10).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Isaiah’s Good News:

  • “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news…who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’” (03:15)

• The Suffering Servant:

  • “He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities…with his wounds we are healed.” (06:05)
  • “He opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter…” (07:10)

• God’s Covenant Promise:

  • “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you…” (12:10)

• Invitation and Assurance:

  • “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters… Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” (15:15)
  • “For my thoughts are not your thoughts…so are my ways higher than your ways.” (17:50)
  • “The word…shall accomplish that which I purpose.” (18:00)

• God’s Holiness:

  • “Exalt the Lord our God; worship at his footstool! Holy is he.” (20:00)

• Paul’s Trial and God’s Promise:

  • “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” (22:10)
  • “The Lord stood by him and said, ‘Take courage. For as you have testified…in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.’” (25:05)

Timestamps for Key Sections

• Isaiah 52–55 Reading: 00:01–18:30
• Psalm 99 Reading: 18:31–21:45
• Acts 23 Reading: 21:46–30:45

Conclusion

This episode interweaves the prophetic hope of Isaiah with the awe-filled worship of Psalm 99 and the dramatic narrative of Acts 23. Each reading echoes God’s faithfulness: He redeems, forgives, restores, and calls his people to hope and courage, even amid suffering and opposition. For listeners following the daily readings, today’s passages are a reminder that God’s promises always prevail, even through adversity, silence, and trial.