Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: September 28 (Isaiah 2–4; Psalm 82; Acts 5)
Date: September 28, 2025
Host: Crossway

Episode Overview

In this episode, listeners journey through readings from Isaiah 2–4, Psalm 82, and Acts 5. The central themes span prophecy and judgment in Isaiah, God’s justice in the Psalms, and the dramatic growth and opposition faced by the early church in Acts. The episode weaves together prophetic vision, urgent warning, and remarkable accounts of faith and divine intervention.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Isaiah 2–4: The Day of the Lord and Hope for Restoration

[00:01–07:20]

• Vision for the Latter Days: Isaiah foretells a future where “the mountain of the house of the Lord” is exalted and people of all nations seek God’s instruction. This is a vision of worldwide peace:
  • “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” (02:10)
• Condemnation of Idolatry and Pride: Isaiah laments Judah’s descent into materialism and idolatry, warning that pride will be humbled:
  • “Their land is filled with silver and gold... Their land is filled with idols... so man is humbled and each one is brought low.” (03:30)
• Day of Reckoning: The prophet warns that a time of judgment is coming where “the Lord alone will be exalted” and false securities (idols, wealth, fortifications) will fail:
  • “The haughty looks of man shall be brought low... and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.” (05:00)
• Social and Moral Decay: Loss of justice, leadership, and moral compass pervades the society, with oppressed poor and corrupt rulers:
  • “My people—infants are their oppressors, and women rule over them... your guides mislead you... The spoil of the poor is in your houses.” (07:00)
• Judgment and Hope for Remnant: Judgment falls, not only on rulers but also on the “daughters of Zion” for vanity and pride. Yet, Isaiah holds out hope; the survivors will experience cleansing and the Lord’s glory:
  • “In that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and honor of the survivors of Israel.” (09:40)
  • God’s future protection is pictured as a canopy and shelter over Zion.

Psalm 82: A Plea for Divine Justice

[11:05–12:38]

• God in the Divine Council: The psalm depicts God judging among rulers (“gods”), holding them accountable for injustice:
  • “God has taken his place in the Divine Council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment.” (11:10)
• The Call to Defend the Weak: The Lord exhorts rulers to care for the weak, fatherless, afflicted, and destitute:
  • “Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.” (11:30)
• Warning to Unjust Rulers: Despite their status, these rulers will die like ordinary men if they do not serve justly:
  • “I said, ‘You are gods... Nevertheless, like men you shall die and fall like any prince.’” (12:00)
• Final Appeal: The psalm closes with a call for God’s righteous reign:
  • “Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations.” (12:25)

Acts 5: Purity, Power, and Persecution in the Early Church

[12:39–End]

• Ananias and Sapphira: Sobering Lesson on Integrity
  • Ananias and Sapphira lie about a donation, keeping some proceeds in secret. Peter confronts them about their deceit:
    • “You have not lied to man, but to God.” (14:17)
  • Both fall dead after being confronted, instilling great awe and fear in the church:
    • “And great fear came upon all who heard of it.” (15:00)
• Growth and Healing Amid Persecution
  • The apostles perform many miracles; the church grows rapidly as “more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.” (17:00)
  • People seek healing, hoping even Peter’s shadow would fall on them.
• Arrest, Divine Rescue, and Bold Witness
  • The apostles are jailed by jealous authorities, but an angel frees them, commanding:
    • “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” (19:10)
  • When discovered teaching in the temple, the apostles are brought before the council. Peter boldly responds:
    • “We must obey God rather than men.” (21:15)
    • He points to Jesus’ resurrection and calls the council to repentance.
• Gamaliel’s Wise Counsel
  • A respected Pharisee, Gamaliel, advises caution:
    • “If this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail. But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God.” (24:50)
  • The council heeds his advice, beating the apostles but releasing them.
• Unwavering Commitment
  • Despite suffering, the apostles rejoice:
    • “They left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” (26:00)
  • The episode closes with the apostles persisting in their mission: “And every day… they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” (27:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Peaceful Vision: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord… that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” (01:20)
• Warning Against Idolatry: “Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?” (06:50)
• Demand for Justice: “Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.” (11:30)
• Consequence of Lies: “You have not lied to man, but to God.” (14:17)
• Obedience to God: “We must obey God rather than men.” (21:15)
• Suffering for Christ: “Rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” (26:00)
• Faithful Witness: “Every day… they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” (27:00)
• Divine Sovereignty: “If it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God.” (24:55)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Isaiah 2–4 Reading: 00:01–11:05
• Psalm 82 Reading: 11:05–12:38
• Acts 5 Reading: 12:39–End

This episode richly explores the gravity of God’s justice and mercy—from Isaiah’s prophetic warning, through Psalm 82’s call to defend the weak, to the early church’s courage in proclaiming Christ amid opposition. Vivid stories and warnings are interlaced with hope for God’s glorious future and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.