Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: October 20 — Jeremiah 1; Psalm 103; Acts 28

Episode Overview

This episode continues the daily journey through the ESV Bible, with readings from three distinct yet thematically resonant passages: the prophetic calling of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1), David’s Psalm of praise and assurance (Psalm 103), and the concluding chapter of Acts (Acts 28), chronicling Paul’s ministry in Rome. The readings invite reflection on God’s sovereignty, mercy, calling, and the spread of the gospel despite opposition.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jeremiah’s Calling & God’s Sovereignty (00:01–06:11)

• Historical Context
  • Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah—a priest in Anathoth—receives God’s word during the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah, culminating around the Babylonian exile (00:02–00:36).
• Divine Appointment and Human Hesitation
  • God declares He has appointed Jeremiah as a prophet before his birth. Jeremiah hesitates, citing his youth and inexperience.
• God’s Encouragement & Empowerment
  • “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go...” (00:55–01:01). God assures presence and deliverance.
  • The Lord physically touches Jeremiah’s mouth, symbolizing divine empowerment: “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.” (01:16)
• Prophetic Visions & Mission
  • Jeremiah sees an almond branch and a boiling pot—signs of vigilance and impending judgment. God foretells disaster from the north due to Judah’s idolatry (01:38–02:20).
  • God commands courage and promises strength: “I make you this day a fortified city... They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you.” (02:56)

2. Blessing and Assurance in Psalm 103 (06:12–09:26)

• Call to Praise and Remember
  • David urges his soul to bless the Lord and not forget His benefits: forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, and satisfaction (06:15–06:55).
• God’s Mercy and Compassion
  • “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.” (07:27)
  • God removes transgressions “as far as the east is from the west” (08:10).
  • Comfort in human frailty: “He knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” (08:27)
• Eternal Steadfast Love
  • God’s steadfast love is “from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him” (08:49).
• Universal Call to Worship
  • All creation—angels, hosts, and works—is summoned to bless the Lord (09:08–09:26).

3. Acts 28: Paul’s Ministry in Rome and God’s Unstoppable Gospel (09:27–end)

• Safe Arrival at Malta: Miracles & Hospitality
  • After shipwreck, Paul and companions land on Malta; the locals show “unusual kindness” (09:31–09:48).
  • A viper bites Paul—locals suspect divine justice, then shift to calling him a god when he’s unharmed (09:58–10:41).
• Paul’s Healing Ministry
  • Paul heals Publius’ father and many others; the Maltese honor and provide for them as they depart (10:46–11:40).
• Journey to Rome & Christian Fellowship
  • Paul continues to Rome, welcomed by believers who encourage him: “On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.” (12:20)
• Defense and Proclamation to Jewish Leaders
  • Paul affirms, “I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” (13:42)
  • Jewish leaders are curious and open to hearing Paul's message, though it is widely spoken against (14:23)
• Day-Long Testimony: Kingdom of God & Jesus
  • Paul spends the day explaining the Kingdom and arguing for Jesus from Moses and the Prophets. Some are convinced, others disbelieve (14:45–15:13).
• Warning and the Gentile Mission
  • Paul quotes Isaiah regarding Israel’s hardness and affirms: “This salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” (16:02)
• Unhindered Mission
  • Paul remains in his own rented house for two years, “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” (16:33)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• God’s Calling to Jeremiah:

  “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you... I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (00:40)

• God’s Assurance:

  “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.” (01:09)

• Psalmist's Praise:

  “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.” (07:27)
  “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” (08:10)

• The Miracle on Malta:

  “He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.” (10:25)

• Paul’s Purpose in Chains:

  “It is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” (13:42)

• Message to the Gentiles:

  “Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles. They will listen.” (16:02)

• Final Portrait of Paul:

  “Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” (16:33)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Jeremiah 1: Prophetic Calling & Visions: 00:01–06:11
• Psalm 103: Call to Praise & Mercy of God: 06:12–09:26
• Acts 28: Shipwreck, Malta, Ministry in Rome: 09:27–end
  • Miracle on Malta: 09:58–10:41
  • Healing Ministry: 10:46–11:40
  • Arrival in Rome & Christian Welcome: 12:20
  • Paul’s Dialogue with Jewish Leaders: 13:42–15:13
  • Gentile Mission & Two-Year Ministry: 16:02–16:33

Episode Themes

• God’s Sovereign Calling: Jeremiah is chosen by God before birth, similarly Paul is sent as an apostle despite trials.
• Human Weakness, Divine Empowerment: Both Jeremiah and Paul act despite apparent weakness or hardship—God promises His presence and action.
• Faithfulness & Assurance: Psalm 103 grounds listeners in the steadfast love, compassion, and forgiveness of God.
• Unstoppable Gospel: Despite opposition and circumstance, as in Jeremiah’s mission and Paul’s Roman captivity, God's message continues "with all boldness and without hindrance."

This episode encourages listeners to embrace God’s calling, trust His mercy, and witness to the gospel’s perseverance through history and hardship.