Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: September 27 (Isaiah 1; Psalm 81; Acts 4)
Host: Crossway | Date: September 27, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features a daily reading from the ESV (English Standard Version) Bible as part of a year-long journey through Scripture, guided by bestselling author Jackie Hill Perry. Today’s readings—Isaiah 1, Psalm 81, and Acts 4—highlight themes of divine confrontation and invitation, the call to worship and obedience, and the boldness of the early church in the face of opposition. The focus is on how God addresses and pursues His people across both the Old and New Testaments, from rebuke and promises of restoration to the unstoppable witness of Jesus’ followers.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Isaiah 1: God’s Indictment and Invitation to Israel

(00:01–06:35)

• Backdrop of Judgment: Isaiah opens by addressing the persistent rebellion of Judah and Jerusalem during the reigns of several kings. God laments how His children have turned from Him, making a passionate comparison:

  "The ox knows its owner and the donkey its master's crib, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand." (00:30)

• The Depth of Sin: Israel is depicted as deeply wounded, with corruption pervasive from head to toe—a nation marked by injustice, desolation, and hypocrisy.
• Rejected Rituals: God expresses no delight in empty religious practices:

  "I have had enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts... Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me." (03:23) He emphasizes that true worship involves justice and caring for the vulnerable.

• Invitation to Repentance: Despite the harsh accusations, God extends hope:

  "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow..." (04:47)

• Consequences and Promise: The city once known for justice has become corrupt, but God promises purification, restoration, and redemption for those who repent; destruction, however, awaits the rebels.

2. Psalm 81: A Song of Remembrance and Warning

(06:36–09:35)

• Call to Worship: The Psalm opens with an invitation to sing, shout, and play instruments in joy and gratitude to God:

  "Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob." (06:37)

• God’s Faithfulness: God recalls freeing Israel from Egypt and providing for them, referencing a mysterious language and deliverance from burden.
• Rebuke for Stubbornness: Despite God’s goodness, Israel repeatedly refused to listen:

  "But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts..." (08:38)

• A Heartfelt Lament and Encouragement: God’s longing comes through—if Israel would listen and walk in God’s ways, He promises the blessings of subduing enemies and abundant provision:

  "But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." (09:25)

3. Acts 4: The Apostles’ Boldness Amid Persecution

(09:36–End)

• Arrest and Interrogation: Peter and John are arrested by religious authorities for teaching about Jesus' resurrection. Despite this, belief in Jesus grows to about 5,000 men.
• Spirit-Filled Defense: Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaims:

  "Let it be known to all of you... that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well." (11:55) "This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else..." (12:35)

• Unstoppable Witness: Authorities, unable to deny the miraculous healing but seeking to control the message, warn the apostles to stop speaking about Jesus.
• A Bold Response:

  "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." (14:28)

• The Early Church’s Unity and Generosity:
  • After release, the apostles gather, pray for boldness, and experience a physical sign—the place shakes and they are filled with the Holy Spirit.
  • The community shares all possessions, ensuring no one has need, exemplifying radical generosity and grace.
  • Barnabas is introduced as a notable example, selling land and giving proceeds for the common good.

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

• God’s Grief at Ritual without Righteousness:

  "I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me." (03:55)

• God’s Promise of Forgiveness:

  "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow..." (04:47)

• Peter’s Exclusive Claim about Salvation:

  "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (12:45)

• The Apostles’ Unshakable Commitment:

  "For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." (14:40)

• The Church’s Radical Generosity:

  "No one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common... And great grace was upon them all." (17:20–18:05)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Isaiah 1 reading: 00:01–06:35
• Psalm 81 reading: 06:36–09:35
• Acts 4 reading: 09:36–end

Recap and Relevance

This episode weaves together a powerful tapestry of God’s justice, mercy, and the call to authentic worship and witness. From the sobering critique and redemptive promise in Isaiah, through the plea of Psalm 81, to the Spirit-empowered boldness and unity of the early church in Acts, listeners are invited to respond to God’s invitation—living with repentant hearts, listening to His voice, and courageously sharing the good news of Jesus.