"Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry"

Episode Summary – October 8, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 31–33 | Psalm 91 | Acts 15

Episode Overview

This episode, as part of a year-long journey through the Bible, features readings from Isaiah, Psalms, and Acts. With a blend of prophetic warning, poetic assurance, and pivotal moments in the early Church, the selections trace Israel’s struggle with trust and idolatry, God’s promise of protection, and the Church’s debate over the inclusion of Gentile believers. The tone alternates from prophetic urgency to Psalmic comfort, and then to pragmatic, Spirit-led discernment at the Jerusalem Council.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Isaiah 31–33: Relying on God, Not on Human Strength

00:01–16:50

• Condemnation of Trust in Egypt: Israel is warned against seeking security from Egypt—"Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses... But do not look to the Holy One of Israel" (00:03). Trusting in human strength is shown as futile, contrasted with the power of God who "does not call back his words" and who will "arise against the house of the evildoers."
• Image of Divine Protection: The Lord is compared to a lion undaunted by shepherds, fiercely protecting Jerusalem—"So the Lord of hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver it." (00:08)
• Call to Repentance: A call for people to cast away idols and return to God, with a prophecy that the Assyrians will fall by a "sword not of man."
• A King of Righteousness: The promise of a future king—"Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule in justice." (00:14)
• Reversal and Restoration: Images of desolation for the complacent are eventually overcome by the pouring out of the Spirit, transforming the wilderness into a fruitful field and bringing about peace. "The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever." (00:28)
• God as True Security: Jerusalem is depicted as unshakeable with God as Judge, Lawgiver, and King—“The Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; he will save us.” (00:52)

2. Psalm 91: Assurance of God’s Protection

16:51–20:18

• Divine Refuge: Psalm 91 opens with a declaration of trust—“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.’” (16:52)
• Deliverance from Peril: God's faithful protection from danger—"He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge." (17:10)
• Promises to the Faithful: Assurance is given that God answers, rescues, and honors those who call on him—"Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows my name." (19:42)

3. Acts 15: The Jerusalem Council and the Gentile Question

20:19–41:00

• A Crisis Over Circumcision: Some believers insist Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved—“Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” (20:21)
• Debate and Apostolic Testimony: Paul and Barnabas recount their mission among Gentiles, causing joy among believers. The dispute is formally presented to the Jerusalem apostles and elders.
• Peter’s Speech: Peter affirms God’s impartiality—“By my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel and believe... And God... bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us.” (23:52)
• Grace, Not Law, as the Basis of Salvation: Peter’s pointed question—"Why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will." (24:35)
• James’ Resolution: James interprets events in light of prophecy, suggesting a simpler expectation for Gentiles—abstaining from idolatry, sexual immorality, and consuming blood or strangled meat—“It has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements.” (30:56)
• Pastoral Consensus and Encouragement: The letter is received with joy in Antioch, clarifying the gospel's freedom and unity—“They rejoiced because of its encouragement.” (35:45)
• Paul and Barnabas Part Ways: Over a disagreement about John Mark, “there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other.” (39:28) Barnabas departs with Mark; Paul with Silas.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Trusting the Lord over Human Strength:
  "The Egyptians are man and not God, and their horses are flesh and not spirit." — Isaiah reading (00:06)
• On Divine Sovereignty:
  "For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; he will save us." — Isaiah (00:52)
• On God’s Protection:
  "He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge." — Psalm 91 (17:10)
• On Salvation by Grace:
  "Why are you putting God to the test... But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will." — Peter, Acts 15 (24:35)
• On the Church Choosing Unity and Simplicity:
  "It has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements..." — Letter from the Jerusalem Council (30:56)
• On Conflict and Ministry:
  "There arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other." — Acts 15 (39:28)

Important Timestamps

• Isaiah 31–33: 00:01–16:50
• Psalm 91: 16:51–20:18
• Acts 15: 20:19–41:00
• Peter on grace, not law: 24:35
• James’ solution for Gentile believers: 30:56
• Paul and Barnabas’ split: 39:28

Tone and Language

The readings are solemn and poetic for Isaiah, comforting and prayerful in the Psalm, and factual but passionate in Acts—reflecting the diversity of Scripture’s styles and moods. The episode is imbued with a sense of both warning and hope, highlighting God’s justice, grace, and ongoing guidance for His people.