Podcast Summary: “Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry”

Episode Date: October 18, 2025
Readings: Isaiah 59–62; Psalm 101; Acts 26
Host/Reader: Crossway

Episode Overview

This episode continues the daily journey through the ESV Bible, featuring compelling passages from Isaiah, Psalm 101, and Acts 26. The readings explore deep themes of sin and separation, divine restoration and promise, justice and integrity, and personal testimony of faith and redemption. Collectively, they paint a picture of a God who confronts iniquity, promises restoration, cherishes justice, and empowers his people to bear witness even in adversity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Isaiah 59–62: Judgment, Lament, and Divine Restoration

• Sin and Separation (00:05–01:15):

  • The reading begins with Isaiah’s sobering assessment of Israel's moral decay: injustice, lies, violence, and a lack of peace.
  • "Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you" (00:11, Narrator).
  • "Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away. For truth has stumbled in the public squares and uprightness cannot enter" (01:00, Narrator).

• The Promise of a Redeemer (01:15–03:05):

  • Amid hopelessness, the Lord intervenes directly: “His own arm brought him salvation and his righteousness upheld him” (01:43, Narrator).
  • The promise of a coming Redeemer to Zion, a covenant of God’s enduring Spirit and Word (02:30–03:00).

• Restoration and Glory (03:05–09:29):

  • The famous call: “Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you” (03:05, Reader).
  • Images of abundance, justice, and international blessing—“Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising” (03:17, Reader).
  • Restoration brings new identity and mission: “You shall be called the priests of The Lord… you shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory you shall boast” (07:40, Reader).
  • God’s enduring love and promise of everlasting covenant and joy: “Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion… they shall have everlasting joy” (08:00, Reader).

• Zeal for Justice (throughout Isaiah readings):

  • “For I, the Lord, love justice, I hate robbery and wrong. I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them” (08:07, Reader).

2. Psalm 101: Commitment to Integrity and Justice

• Personal Pledge (10:01–10:50):
  • King David’s vow to uphold steadfast love, justice, and blamelessness—especially within his own house.
  • “I will walk with integrity of heart within my house. I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless” (10:05, Narrator).
  • A strict stance against wrongdoing: “No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes” (10:39, Narrator).
  • Morning-by-morning resolve to remove evil and cultivate fidelity among his people (10:44–10:49).

3. Acts 26: Paul’s Testimony and the Power of Resurrection

• Paul’s Defense Before Agrippa (10:53–end):

  • Paul shares his background as a zealous Pharisee and persecutor of Christians: “I locked up many of the saints in prison... and I punished them often in all the synagogues” (11:10, Narrator as Paul).
  • The dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus: “I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun... I heard a voice... Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (11:32–11:42, Narrator as Paul and Jesus).
  • Paul’s new mission: “I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness... to open their eyes so they may turn from darkness to light... that they may receive forgiveness of sins” (11:47, Narrator as Jesus).
  • Paul’s faithfulness despite intense opposition: “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision... but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem... that they should repent and turn to God” (12:10–12:25, Narrator as Paul).

• Notable Exchanges:

  • Festus’s skepticism: “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind” (12:38, Narrator as Festus).
  • Paul’s humble reply: “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words” (12:42, Narrator as Paul).
  • Paul’s bold hope: “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains” (13:07, Narrator as Paul).
  • Agrippa recognizes Paul’s innocence: “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment” (13:23, Narrator).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Justice and Sin:

  • “No one enters suit justly... they hatch adder’s eggs, they weave the spider’s web... their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity”
    — Narrator, Isaiah (00:13–00:32)

• On Restoration and God’s Glory:

  • “Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.”
    — Reader, Isaiah (06:55)

• On Calling and Mission:

  • “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.”
    — Reader, Isaiah (07:05)

• On Integrity:

  • “I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music... I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me.”
    — Narrator, Psalm 101 (10:01–10:37)

• On Repentance and Faith:

  • “To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins...”
    — Narrator, Acts (11:55)

• Paul’s Bold Proclamation:

  • “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
    — Narrator as Paul (13:07)

Segment Timestamps

• Isaiah 59–62: 00:01–09:29
• Psalm 101: 10:01–10:50
• Acts 26: 10:53–end

Final Thoughts

This episode weaves together the biblical arc of human fallenness, God’s unyielding promise of salvation and restoration, personal integrity, and the courage to testify about one's faith. In Isaiah, listeners see both the gravity of sin and the overwhelming hope God extends. Psalm 101 presents a personal commitment to justice, while Acts 26 dramatizes how the grace of God transforms a former persecutor into an ambassador for Christ. Each reading, linked through recurring themes of light overcoming darkness and the faithful witness, offers listeners both comfort and challenge for daily living.