Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: October 6 (Isaiah 26–28; Psalm 89:30–52; Acts 13)
Host: Crossway
Released: October 6, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode continues the journey through the ESV Bible in a year, featuring readings from Isaiah 26–28, Psalm 89:30–52, and Acts 13. The selected passages explore themes of God’s steadfast faithfulness, justice, the hope of resurrection, and the spread of the gospel among Jews and Gentiles. The narrative moves from poetic prophecy and lament to the dynamic beginnings of Paul's missionary journeys.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Isaiah 26–28: Judgment, Peace, and the Cornerstone in Zion

• God as Protector and Source of Peace

  • The imagery of a "strong city" rescued and protected by God opens the Isaiah reading, emphasizing trust in the Lord and His role as the "everlasting rock."
  • Quote:
    • "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock." (Isaiah 26:3–4)
    • Timestamp: 01:24–01:42

• Resurrection Hope and Ultimate Justice

  • Isaiah foretells resurrection: "Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise… the earth will give birth to the dead."
  • God's coming judgment is described as both a warning and a comfort to those who await deliverance.

• Symbolism of the Vineyard and the Remnant

  • God’s people are described as a vineyard under His care, alluding to both discipline and ultimate restoration.
  • Quote:
    • "I, the Lord, am its keeper; every moment I water it... Let them make peace with me." (Isaiah 27:3–5)
    • Timestamp: 05:45–05:56

• Warnings against Pride and Corruption

  • The passage denounces leaders and prophets intoxicated by sin and pride.
  • Central message: God's justice and wisdom underlie His judgments and His discipline brings knowledge.

• Prophecy of the Cornerstone

  • Quote:
    • "Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone of a sure foundation. Whoever believes will not be in haste." (Isaiah 28:16)
    • Timestamp: 10:49–11:12
  • Foretells Jesus as the foundation of salvation, justice, and righteousness.

2. Psalm 89:30–52: The Struggle Between Faithfulness and Lament

• Covenant and Chastisement

  • God’s unwavering promise to David’s line is contrasted with lament over perceived rejection and humiliation.
  • Quote:
    • "But I will not remove from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant..." (Psalm 89:33–34)
    • Timestamp: 13:10–13:18

• Questions of Suffering and the Hiddenness of God

  • The psalmist mourns the downfall of the Davidic king, crying out for restoration.
  • Quote:
    • "How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your wrath burn like fire?" (Psalm 89:46)
    • Timestamp: 14:51–14:58

• Closing with Enduring Praise

  • Despite the pain, the psalm closes affirming God’s praise:
    • "Blessed be the Lord forever! Amen and amen." (Psalm 89:52)
    • Timestamp: 16:05

3. Acts 13: Paul’s First Missionary Journey & The Universal Gospel

• Sending and Calling by the Holy Spirit

  • The church at Antioch, attentive in worship and fasting, sets apart Barnabas and Saul/Paul for their missionary work, signaling the Spirit’s leadership.
  • Quote:
    • "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." (Acts 13:2)
    • Timestamp: 17:02

• Power Encounter in Cyprus: Truth and Opposition

  • Paul confronts the false prophet Bar-Jesus (Elymas), exposing resistance to the gospel as spiritual warfare.
  • Quote (Paul):
    • "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?" (Acts 13:10)
    • Timestamp: 20:25–20:40
    • The blinding of Elymas results in belief from the proconsul, Sergius Paulus:
    • "He was astonished at the teaching of the Lord." (Acts 13:12)

• Paul’s Synagogue Sermon: Jesus is the Fulfillment

  • Paul recounts Israel’s history, linking the promise to David with Jesus as Savior.
  • Declares the resurrection and forgiveness through Jesus.
  • Quote:
    • "Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses." (Acts 13:38–39)
    • Timestamp: 26:04–26:25

• Expanding the Mission to the Gentiles

  • Jewish opposition leads Paul and Barnabas to turn to the Gentiles.
  • Quote:
    • "I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth." (Acts 13:47)
    • Timestamp: 29:45–29:54

• Joy and the Holy Spirit Amidst Persecution

  • Despite resistance, the disciples are described as "filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."
    • Timestamp: 31:30

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Isaiah’s Hopeful Lament:
  • "Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy." (Isaiah 26:19) — Resurrection hope (Timestamp: 03:45)
• Psalm 89’s Unanswered Cry:
  • "Lord, where is your steadfast love of old, which by your faithfulness you swore to David?" (Psalm 89:49) — Longing and faith in tension (Timestamp: 15:34)
• Acts: The Gospel Breaks Boundaries:
  • "As many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region." (Acts 13:48–49)
    • The unstoppable spread of the gospel (Timestamp: 30:55–31:06)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [00:01–13:00] Isaiah 26–28: Prophecy of deliverance, peace, and judgment
• [13:00–16:10] Psalm 89: The faithfulness of God and the pain of apparent abandonment
• [17:00–31:30] Acts 13: The launch of Paul’s ministry; confrontation, sermon, and turning to the Gentiles

Episode Takeaways

• God’s faithfulness endures through judgment, hardship, and apparent silence.
• Isaiah’s prophecies and Psalm 89 expose both the pain and hope of God’s people.
• Acts 13 marks a decisive moment where the gospel clearly expands beyond its Jewish roots, bringing hope to the whole world.
• God’s promises remain sure: Christ is the cornerstone, forgiveness and freedom are found in Him, and His kingdom is for every nation.

For listeners journeying through the Bible with Jackie Hill Perry, this episode is a powerful reminder that God’s plans are steadfast—inviting trust, honesty, and joy, even amid difficulty.