Episode Overview

Podcast: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Host: Crossway
Episode Date: October 19, 2025
Readings: Isaiah 63–66; Psalm 102; Acts 27

This episode continues the journey through the ESV Bible in a year, featuring readings from the final chapters of Isaiah, a prayerful Psalm, and the gripping account of Paul’s shipwreck in Acts. Across these passages, themes of God’s righteous judgment and compassion, human frailty, hope amidst suffering, and unwavering divine sovereignty run strong. The episode invites listeners to meditate on God’s redemptive purposes, the coming renewal of creation, and His presence in the midst of trial.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Isaiah 63–66: Judgment, Redemption, and Future Glory

• God, Mighty to Save and Judge
  • God is depicted as a lone redeemer (“I have trodden the winepress alone... I trampled them in my anger and poured out their lifeblood on the earth.” [00:03–02:10]).
  • Contrasts between God’s mercy to His people and their persistent rebellion highlight His dual roles as savior and judge.
  • Memorable quote:
    • “It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.” [00:10, Speaker A quoting God]
• Intercession and Repentance
  • The prophet recalls the Lord’s steadfast love and pleads for God to “look down from heaven” in compassion, despite Israel’s failings.
  • The famous prayerful plea:
    • “Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence.” [04:03, Speaker A]
• The Potter and the Clay
  • Human frailty and God’s shaping sovereignty are underscored:
    • “But now, O Lord, you are our Father, we are the clay, and you are our potter. We are all the work of your hand.” [06:35, Speaker A]
• Promise of New Heavens and New Earth
  • God describes the coming transformation—restoration of Jerusalem, the end of weeping, and harmony in creation:
    • “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.” [11:50, Speaker A quoting God]
  • Vivid imagery: The wolf and lamb grazing together (13:50), peace rolling “like a river” over Jerusalem (16:25).
• Universal Worship and Unending Kingdom
  • God’s salvation expands to all nations; worshipers from every tongue will come to Jerusalem:
    • “All flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the Lord.” [18:05, Speaker A quoting God]

2. Psalm 102: A Prayer for the Afflicted

• Honest Lament and Expression of Weakness
  • The psalmist lays out deep sorrow and isolation:
    • “My days pass away like smoke and my bones burn like a furnace... I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop.” [20:05–22:10, Speaker A quotes the Psalmist]
• God’s Eternal Nature vs. Human Frailty
  • In contrast to human transience, God is invoked as unchanging:
    • “But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever; you are remembered throughout all generations.” [22:45, Speaker A]
    • “They will perish, but you will remain ... but you are the same, and your years have no end.” [25:00, Speaker A]

3. Acts 27: Paul’s Shipwreck – Faith in the Storm

• The Decision to Sail and the Coming Storm
  • Paul, though a prisoner, warns against sailing too late in the year (“Sirs, I perceive the voyage will be with injury and much loss…”) [26:58, Speaker A/Paul quoting].
  • His warning is dismissed in favor of expert advice, leading to disaster.
• Shipwreck and Divine Assurance
  • As the storm rages and all hope seems lost, Paul stands in faith, proclaiming:
    • “Yet now I urge you to take heart. For there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.” [32:53, Paul]
    • He recounts the angelic visit:
      • “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar … God has granted you all those who sail with you.” [33:30, Angel-speaking-to-Paul via Speaker A]
• Leadership and Encouragement in Crisis
  • Paul urges everyone to eat after fourteen days without food, breaking bread and giving thanks “in the presence of all” [35:40–36:15], mirroring the Last Supper’s gesture of faith.
  • 276 people are on the ship—a detail cementing the peril and miracle of their survival.
• Providence Preserves All
  • Despite a plan to kill the prisoners, the centurion intervenes to save Paul, ensuring “all were brought safely to land.” [38:20]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On God’s Solitary Salvation:
  • “I looked, but there was no one to help ... so my own arm brought me salvation.” [02:14, Speaker A quoting God]
• On Human Weakness and Intercession:
  • “There is no one who calls upon your name…” [06:10, Speaker A quoting Isaiah]
• On the New Creation:
  • “Be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create. For, behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness.” [12:15, Speaker A quoting God]
• On Affliction and Appeal to God’s Unchanging Nature:
  • “My days are like an evening shadow. I wither away ... But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever.” [25:01, Speaker A/Psalmist]
• On Faith Amidst Crisis:
  • “For I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.” [34:10, Paul]
• On Providential Salvation:
  • “And so it was that all were brought safely to land.” [39:40, Speaker A, narrating Acts]

Timestamps for Major Sections

• Isaiah 63–66 Reading: [00:01–19:50]
• Psalm 102 Reading: [20:00–26:10]
• Acts 27 Reading: [26:11–39:45]

Summary Table

| Segment | Main Themes | Notable Quotes & Moments | Timestamps | |-------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------| | Isaiah 63–66 | Judgment, Mercy, Restoration, Universal Worship | “Mighty to save”; New creation | 00:01–19:50 | | Psalm 102 | Lament, Human Frailty, God’s Eternalism | “But you, O Lord, are enthroned...” | 20:00–26:10 | | Acts 27 | Shipwreck, Divine Assurance, Faith, Providence | “Take heart...for I have faith...” | 26:11–39:45 |

Takeaways

• Divine Justice and Mercy: God’s judgment is always paired with the hope of redemption.
• Faith Through Trials: The accounts in Isaiah, the Psalms, and Acts all show that, whether amidst national disaster or a raging sea, God’s word and promises are steadfast.
• The Call to Humility and Hope: Humanity’s true position is shaped by the potter’s hand, dependent daily on grace and redemption.
• The Gospel’s Reach: The promise that all nations shall come to worship God prefigures the New Testament’s expansion to the Gentiles and the universality of the Gospel.
• Providence in Peril: Like those with Paul on the ship, listeners are reminded that faith in God sustains and preserves, even when outcomes seem uncertain.

This episode gives listeners a powerful sweep of biblical hope—from the ashes of judgment to the dawn of new creation, and from affliction to the calm found in God’s unchanging character and promises.