Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: September 24 (Ecclesiastes 10–12; Psalm 78:40–72; Acts 1)

Date: September 24, 2025
Host: Crossway

Episode Overview

This episode features daily readings from the ESV Bible, covering wisdom and reflection from Ecclesiastes 10–12, Psalm 78:40–72 (recounting Israel's rebellion and God’s faithfulness), and Acts 1 (the ascension of Jesus and selection of Matthias as an apostle). The readings offer themes of human folly versus wisdom, remembrance of God’s mighty acts, and the early Christian community’s response after Christ's ascension.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Wisdom and Folly in Ecclesiastes 10–12

• The Power and Problem of Folly (00:01)
  • Compassionate warnings about how, "a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor."
  • Contrasts between the wise and foolish: “A wise man's heart inclines him to the right, but a fool's heart to the left.”
• Unpredictability and Purpose of Life
  • Acknowledges the uncertainty and apparent vanity of life: “All that comes is vanity.”
  • Encourages productivity despite uncertainty: “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.”
• Admonition to the Youth and to All Ages
  • “Rejoice, O young man, in your youth... But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.”
  • Reflects on aging and mortality, painting vivid images of decline and urging remembrance of the Creator.
• Conclusion: The Duty of Man (Approx. 04:45)
  • “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

2. Remembering God’s Deeds in Psalm 78:40–72

• Israel’s Rebellion and Divine Mercy (04:55)
  • Recounts how often Israel rebelled and forgot God’s power:

    “They did not remember his power or the day when he redeemed them from the foe.” (05:03)

  • Describes God’s miraculous signs in Egypt and His wrath:

    “He let loose on them his burning anger, wrath, indignation and distress, a company of destroying angels.” (05:32)

• God’s Guidance and Covenant Faithfulness
  • Despite rebellion, God led His people, “like sheep... in safety so that they were not afraid.” (05:53–05:57)
• Judgment and Redemption
  • Notes the consequences of idolatry, God’s anger, and sheepfold restoration after judgment:

    “He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds... With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.” (07:01–07:26)

3. Christ’s Ascension & the Early Church in Acts 1

• Jesus’ Final Instructions (07:28)
  • The resurrected Jesus meets with the apostles, promising the Holy Spirit:

    “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” (08:20–08:23)

• The Ascension of Jesus (08:25–08:37)
  • A memorable moment as the apostles watch Jesus taken up into heaven:

    “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (08:37)

• Community and the Role of Prayer (08:51–09:12)
  • The disciples, along with women and Jesus’ family, “were devoting themselves to prayer.”
• Choosing a Successor for Judas (09:15–10:26)
  • Peter stands up among about 120 followers, referencing Scripture:

    “The Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas.” (09:17)

  • Two qualified men (Joseph Barsabbas, called Justus, and Matthias) are proposed. After prayer, they cast lots, and Matthias is chosen to join the apostles.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Folly and Wisdom:

  “A wise man's heart inclines him to the right, but a fool's heart to the left.” (00:04)

• On Purpose Despite Uncertainty:

  “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” (02:20)

• On Final Judgment:

  “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (04:45)

• On Divine Leadership:

  “He led them in safety so that they were not afraid, but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.” (05:54–05:57)

• On the Promise to the Apostles:

  “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses ... to the ends of the earth.” (08:20–08:23)

• On the Ascension and Second Coming:

  “This Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (08:37)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Ecclesiastes Reading: 00:01–04:55
• Psalm 78 Reading: 04:55–07:28
• Acts 1 Reading: 07:28–10:26

Episode Flow and Language

The episode consists of clear, faithful readings of Scripture, framed in solemn, reverential language. The tone remains steady and reflective throughout, with interjections helping to clarify transitions and punctuate key psalmic lines. There is no editorial commentary—Scriptural language is left to speak for itself, underscoring the podcast’s goal of immersive daily Bible exposure.