The Bible in a Year Podcast with Scott Purcell

The Bible in a Year Podcast with Scott Purcell

by Scott Purcell
Christianity
Season 1
David Buys the Threshing Floor & Peter Raised Dorcas to Life | Day 166
What does it cost to step into a new territory of God's presence? Today on Day 166, we travel through stories of deep sacrifice, miraculous power, and crumbling cultural walls. In 2 Samuel, we look at the courage of David’s elite group of "Mighty Men," before watching a devastating misstep by the king himself. David takes a prideful census of his empire, bringing a plague upon the nation, but the story ends with a profound act of worship on a plot of land that will become the home of the future temple: a threshing floor paid for in full. In the New Testament, the power of the early church ripples into new towns and completely rewrites long-held prejudices in Acts 9 and 10. We stand by as Peter raises a beloved believer named Dorcas from the dead, and then watch as God completely upends Peter's worldview through a bizarre vision of unclean animals, commanding him to take the gospel directly into the home of a Roman Centurion. Today’s Scripture: 📖 2 Samuel 23:8–24:25 – We meet David's "Mighty Men"—elite warriors who stood their ground alone in fields of lentils and fought until their hands froze to their swords. In chapter 24, David succumbs to pride and counts his military forces against Joab's advice. Stricken with guilt, David chooses to fall into the merciful hands of God rather than men, enduring a three-day plague. The judgment stays when David buys the Threshing Floor of Araunah, famously declaring, "I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing." 📖 Acts 9:32–10:23 – Peter heals a paralyzed man named Aeneas in Lydda, causing an entire region to turn to the Lord. In Joppa, a devoted, generous disciple named Dorcas dies; Peter arrives, prays over her, and raises her from the dead. In chapter 10, a devout Roman centurion named Cornelius is told by an angel to fetch Peter. Simultaneously, Peter falls into a trance on a rooftop, seeing a sheet full of unclean animals lowered from heaven with a voice declaring, "What God has made clean, do not call common." 📖 Psalm 74:1–9 – A heavy, communal lament by Asaph, crying out to God in a season where the sanctuary has been ruined by enemies. The psalmist mourns that the temple carvings have been smashed, the holy place burned, and that Israel no longer sees any prophetic signs or answers from God. RESOURCES & READ-ALONG 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF 📖 Follow the Text (LEB): https://biblia.com/books/leb/ 🗓️ Download the Full Plan: https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/ CONNECT & SUPPORT 📧 Questions? Scott: scott@huttobible.com 🎁 Partner with Us: https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support 📩 Ministry Updates: https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe CREDITS & LEGAL The Lexham English Bible is used by permission. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Music: "Be The Hero" by Pumpupthemind via Free Music Archive (CC BY 4.0).
S1 · E166
Jun 15, 2026
19:41
David Praises His Rock & Saul Blinded on the Road to Damascus | Day 165
What happens when the ultimate hunter becomes the ultimate trophy of God's grace? Today on Day 165, we step into two of the most triumphant, breathtaking passages in the entire biblical narrative. In 2 Samuel, an aging King David looks back over a lifetime of running from spears, surviving betrayal, and enduring wilderness exiles. He pours his heart into a magnificent epic song of praise, celebrating the God who was his rock, his fortress, and his shield through every storm. In the book of Acts, the storm of persecution hits a wall of blinding light. Saul of Tarsus—the chief enemy of the early church—is marching toward Damascus to arrest Christians when he is flattened to the earth by the risen Jesus. In a shocking turnaround that could only be orchestrated by God, the church’s fiercest hunter is instantly transformed into its boldest preacher, turning the ancient world completely upside down. Today’s Scripture: 📖 2 Samuel 22:1–23:7 – David sings a monumental song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of Saul and all his enemies. He describes God dramatically parting the heavens, riding on a cherub, and reaching down into deep waters to rescue him. Chapter 23 records the "last words of David," where he anchors his legacy not in his own military might, but in the everlasting covenant God established with his house. 📖 Acts 9:1–31 – Saul breathes threats against disciples, but a light from heaven flashes around him on the Damascus road. Jesus asks, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" Blinded, Saul is led into the city. A hesitant disciple named Ananias is sent by God to lay hands on him; scales fall from Saul’s eyes, he is baptized, and he immediately begins preaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God, leaving both friends and enemies completely stunned. 📖 Psalm 73:15–28 – Asaph finds the resolution to his bitter crisis of faith. He admits he was envious of the wicked until he entered the sanctuary of God; there, he finally understood their ultimate destiny. He confesses his own past ignorance and concludes with beautiful assurance: "But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge." RESOURCES & READ-ALONG 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF 📖 Follow the Text (LEB): https://biblia.com/books/leb/ 🗓️ Download the Full Plan: https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/ CONNECT & SUPPORT 📧 Questions? Scott: scott@huttobible.com 🎁 Partner with Us: https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support 📩 Ministry Updates: https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe CREDITS & LEGAL The Lexham English Bible is used by permission. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Music: "Be The Hero" by Pumpupthemind via Free Music Archive (CC BY 4.0). Keywords: 2 Samuel 22, 2 Samuel 23, Acts 9, Psalm 73, David's song of praise, the Lord is my rock, last words of David, conversion of Saul, road to Damascus, why do you persecute me, Ananias and Saul, scales fell from his eyes, into the sanctuary of God, audio bible.
S1 · E165
Jun 14, 2026
15:53
Sheba's Revolt Defeated & Philip Preaches to the Ethiopian Eunuch | Day 164
What happens when what looked like a tragedy becomes the catalyst for an explosion of grace? Today on Day 164, we see how God navigates the mess of human politics and uses the dispersion of His people to cross ancient boundaries. In 2 Samuel, King David faces yet another regional uprising, this time led by a Benjaminite named Sheba, while a multi-year famine forces David to settle a blood-guilt debt left behind by the reckless household of Saul. In the book of Acts, the brutal persecution launched by Saul backfires spectacularly on the forces of darkness. Instead of destroying the church, the scattered believers become flying seeds of the gospel. We travel with Philip into Samaria, watching an entire city erupt in joy over miracles and baptisms, before the Holy Spirit redirects him to a lonely desert road to open the Scriptures for a searching Ethiopian official, taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. Today’s Scripture: 📖 2 Samuel 20:1–21:22 – A worthless man named Sheba starts a fresh revolt against David, drawing away the northern tribes. Joab ruthlessly murders his rival Amasa to reclaim command of the army, corners Sheba inside a city, and a wise woman saves her town by having Sheba's head thrown over the wall. In chapter 21, a three-year famine strikes Israel because Saul had broken a national vow by slaughtering the Gibeonites. David yields seven descendants of Saul to the Gibeonites to stay the judgment, and the passage ends by celebrating David’s aging warriors who cut down the last remnants of the giants of Gath. 📖 Acts 8:4–40 – Scattered believers preach the word everywhere. Philip goes to Samaria, performing miracles and casting out demons. A local sorcerer named Simon attempts to buy the power of the Holy Spirit with money, drawing a fierce rebuke from Peter. The angel of the Lord then sends Philip to a desert road, where he encounters an Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah. Philip explains that the text points directly to Jesus, baptizes him in a roadside pool, and is miraculously caught away by the Spirit to preach up the coast to Caesarea. 📖 Proverbs 14:25–35 – Wise principles for public and private life: "A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is deceitful." Solomon reminds us that the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life and note that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. RESOURCES & READ-ALONG 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF 📖 Follow the Text (LEB): https://biblia.com/books/leb/ 🗓️ Download the Full Plan: https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/ CONNECT & SUPPORT 📧 Questions? Scott: scott@huttobible.com 🎁 Partner with Us: https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support 📩 Ministry Updates: https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe CREDITS & LEGAL The Lexham English Bible is used by permission. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Music: "Be The Hero" by Pumpupthemind via Free Music Archive (CC BY 4.0).
S1 · E164
Jun 13, 2026
20:04
Broken Fathers and Blind Furies: David’s Great Grief & The Martyrdom of Stephen (Day 163)
How do we navigate the crushing weight of grief and injustice? Today on Day 163, we reach two of the most emotionally raw, pivotal passages in all of Scripture. In 2 Samuel, the military victory over the rebellion is utterly swallowed up by a father's broken heart. We listen to King David weep uncontrollably in the gatehouse over the death of his rebellious son Absalom, paralyzing the nation until Joab forces him back to reality. We then watch a weary king navigate the complex, fragile process of reclaiming his fractured kingdom. In the book of Acts, the hostility against the gospel boils over into the first execution of a Christian witness. As Stephen boldly concludes his sermon, his furious accusers grind their teeth, drag him outside the city walls, and stone him to death. Yet, even as the rocks fall, Stephen echoes the very heart of Jesus, dying with a prayer of forgiveness on his lips while a young Pharisee named Saul stands by, approving of the slaughter. Today’s Scripture: 📖 2 Samuel 18:19–19:43 – Runners race to bring David news of the battle. Learning of Absalom’s death, David breaks down crying, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom!" Joab sternly rebukes David, warning him that his public mourning humbles the very soldiers who just saved his life. David suppresses his grief and returns to Jerusalem, showing mercy to his old curser Shimei and welcoming back the loyal, elderly Barzillai, though deep tribal tensions immediately flare between Judah and Israel over the king's return. 📖 Acts 7:44–8:3 – Stephen declares that God does not dwell in houses made by human hands. Convicted and enraged, the council rushes at him. Looking into heaven, Stephen sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at God's right hand. They drag him outside the city and stone him. Laying their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul, they execute Stephen as he prays, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." A great persecution breaks out, led by Saul, who ravages the church by dragging men and women off to prison. 📖 Psalm 73:1–14 – Asaph opens the third book of the Psalms with a transparent crisis of faith. He admits his feet almost stumbled because he envied the arrogant, watching the wicked prosper with healthy bodies and prideful hearts while he felt plagued and punished all day long. RESOURCES & READ-ALONG 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF 📖 Follow the Text (LEB): https://biblia.com/books/leb/ 🗓️ Download the Full Plan: https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/ CONNECT & SUPPORT 📧 Questions? Scott: scott@huttobible.com 🎁 Partner with Us: https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support 📩 Ministry Updates: https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe CREDITS & LEGAL The Lexham English Bible is used by permission. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Music: "Be The Hero" by Pumpupthemind via Free Music Archive (CC BY 4.0). Keywords: 2 Samuel 18, 2 Samuel 19, Acts 7, Acts 8, Psalm 73, O my son Absalom, Joab rebukes David, Shimei pardoned, Barzillai, martyrdom of Stephen, Jesus standing, Saul of Tarsus, church persecuted, envying the wicked, audio bible.
S1 · E163
Jun 12, 2026
19:10
Hushai’s Secret Counsel & Stephen Recalls Moses and the Golden Calf | Day 162
What happens when pride and rebellion run their full course? Today on Day 162, we see the devastating end of human arrogance and the tragic history of resisting God's chosen leaders. In 2 Samuel, the political warfare between David and Absalom peaks. Absalom relies on deceptive counsel and his own vanity, but God silently orchestrates events to protect His anointed king. The rebellion collapses in the dark woods of Ephraim, where Absalom’s long, celebrated hair becomes his literal trap, leading to a brutal, tragic end on the battlefield. In the book of Acts, Stephen continues his masterful defense before the high council. He takes his accusers deep into the history of Moses, showing that Israel has a multi-generational habit of rejecting the very deliverers God sends them. From grumbling in the wilderness to fashioning a golden calf, Stephen uses Israel’s history as a mirror to show the Sanhedrin that their rejection of Jesus is part of an ancient, tragic pattern. Today’s Scripture: 📖 2 Samuel 16:15–18:18 – Absalom enters Jerusalem and publicly sleeps with David’s concubines to seal his rebellion, fulfilling Nathan's prophecy. Ahithophel advises an immediate attack, but David's spy, Hushai, counters with a grand, stalling strategy that buys David time to cross the Jordan. Realizing his advice was rejected, Ahithophel goes home and hangs himself. The armies collide in the Forest of Ephraim. David orders his men to spare his son, but Absalom's hair catches in an oak tree, leaving him helpless. Joab ignores David’s order and drives three javelins into Absalom's heart, burying him in a pit under a pile of stones. 📖 Acts 7:20–43 – Stephen details the life of Moses, pointing out that when Moses first tried to deliver an Israelite, he was rejected with the words, "Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?" Even after God sent Moses back with signs, wonders, and the Law, the people refused to obey him, turning back in their hearts to Egypt and making an idol in the desert. 📖 Psalm 72:1–20 – A majestic royal psalm written by or for Solomon, mapping out the ideal king: "May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor." The psalm ends with a glorious doxology, concluding the second book of the Psalms. RESOURCES & READ-ALONG 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF 📖 Follow the Text (LEB): https://biblia.com/books/leb/ 🗓️ Download the Full Plan: https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/ CONNECT & SUPPORT 📧 Questions? Scott: scott@huttobible.com 🎁 Partner with Us: https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support 📩 Ministry Updates: https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe CREDITS & LEGAL The Lexham English Bible is used by permission. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Music: "Be The Hero" by Pumpupthemind via Free Music Archive (CC BY 4.0). Keywords: 2 Samuel 16, 2 Samuel 17, 2 Samuel 18, Acts 7, Psalm 72, Ahithophel hangs himself, Hushai's counsel, Absalom caught in oak, Joab kills Absalom, Stephen's defense, Moses rejected, golden calf, Moloch and Rompha, ideal king, audio bible.
S1 · E162
Jun 11, 2026
20:49
Betrayed Sovereigns and Faithful Witnesses: David Flees Jerusalem & The Arrest of Stephen (Day 161)
How do you respond when those you trusted turn completely against you? Today on Day 161, we journey through intense seasons of betrayal, exile, and false accusations. In 2 Samuel, Absalom’s coup strikes the heart of the nation. King David is forced to abandon Jerusalem, weeping as he ascends the Mount of Olives while his top counselor defects to the enemy. Yet, even as rocks and curses are hurled at him, David refuses to retaliate, trusting entirely in the vindication of God. In the book of Acts, a different kind of conspiracy arises. As the early church expands, a faithful, Spirit-filled servant named Stephen emerges to care for the needy and work great wonders. Driven by jealousy, religious opponents stir up a mob and bring false witnesses to drag Stephen before the high council, setting the stage for a historic defense of the gospel that mirrors the trials of Jesus Himself. Today’s Scripture: 📖 2 Samuel 15:13–16:14 – David learns that the hearts of Israel have gone after Absalom. To spare Jerusalem from the sword, David flees with his household and loyal foreign guards. He sends the Ark of the Covenant back to the city, committing his fate to God, and learns that his trusted counselor Ahithophel has joined the rebellion. As David walks in exile, a relative of Saul named Shimei relentlessly curses him and throws stones. David restrains his men from killing Shimei, declaring, "Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to." 📖 Acts 6:1–7:19 – The church appoints seven men of good repute—including Stephen—to resolve a food distribution dispute between Hellenistic and Hebraic widows. Stephen performs great miracles, provoking fierce opposition. Unable to withstand his wisdom, his enemies suborn false witnesses to claim he spoke blasphemy against Moses and God. Brought before the Sanhedrin, Stephen's face appears like the face of an angel. Challenged by the high priest, Stephen begins a brilliant historical defense, tracing God's covenant faithfulness from Abraham to Joseph’s rejection by his brothers. 📖 Psalm 71:19–24 – The psalmist beautifully proclaims God’s towering, incomparable righteousness: "O God, who is like you?" He celebrates how God revives him out of the deep depths of the earth, vowing to praise His truth with the harp and the lyre while his tongue talks of God's righteous help all day long. RESOURCES & READ-ALONG 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF 📖 Follow the Text (LEB): https://biblia.com/books/leb/ 🗓️ Download the Full Plan: https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/ CONNECT & SUPPORT 📧 Questions? Scott: scott@huttobible.com 🎁 Partner with Us: https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support 📩 Ministry Updates: https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe CREDITS & LEGAL The Lexham English Bible is used by permission. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Music: "Be The Hero" by Pumpupthemind via Free Music Archive (CC BY 4.0). Keywords:
S1 · E161
Jun 10, 2026
17:20
Absalom Plots Against David & The Apostles Escape Prison | Day 160
What happens when a movement becomes completely unstoppable? Today on Day 160, we look at two very different types of momentum—one built on human manipulation and another driven by the raw power of the Holy Spirit. In 2 Samuel, we watch a political coup slowly form in the dark. King David is manipulated into letting his exiled son Absalom return to Jerusalem, only for the handsome prince to systematically steal the hearts of the citizens, setting up a massive rebellion against his own father. In the book of Acts, a far greater, holy momentum is turning Jerusalem upside down. The religious elite throw the apostles into prison to stop them, but a supernatural jailbreak and a bold declaration before the high council prove that no human force can halt the Kingdom of God. As the wise teacher Gamaliel warns the council: "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." Today’s Scripture: 📖 2 Samuel 14:1–15:12 – Joab uses a wise woman from Tekoa to trick King David into bringing his exiled son Absalom home. Though back in Jerusalem, David refuses to see him for two years. Once reconciled, Absalom begins a calculated campaign—standing at the city gate, acting as a champion for the people, and undermining David's authority. After four years, Absalom travels to Hebron under a false pretense and blows the trumpet, declaring himself king. 📖 Acts 5:12–42 – Signs and wonders multiply as people lay the sick in the streets hoping Peter’s shadow might touch them. Arrested out of jealousy, the apostles are freed from prison by an angel at night and told to go right back to preaching at the Temple. Hauled before the Sanhedrin again, Peter declares, "We must obey God rather than men." Beaten and released on Gamaliel's advice, the apostles leave rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus. 📖 Proverbs 14:15–24 – Wisdom for testing human motives: "The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps." Solomon notes that a wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, while a quick-tempered man acts foolishly. RESOURCES & READ-ALONG 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF 📖 Follow the Text (LEB): https://biblia.com/books/leb/ 🗓️ Download the Full Plan: https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/ CONNECT & SUPPORT 📧 Questions? Scott: scott@huttobible.com 🎁 Partner with Us: https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support 📩 Ministry Updates: https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe CREDITS & LEGAL The Lexham English Bible is used by permission. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Music: "Be The Hero" by Pumpupthemind via Free Music Archive (CC BY 4.0). Keywords: 2 Samuel 14, 2 Samuel 15, Acts 5, Proverbs 14, Wise woman of Tekoa, Absalom steals hearts, Absalom's rebellion, Peter's shadow heals, angel opens prison doors, Gamaliel advice, obey God rather than men, audio bible.
S1 · E160
Jun 9, 2026
18:07
The Sins of David's Sons & The Judgement of Ananias and Sapphira | Day 159
What happens when corruption creeps into a home or a community? Today on Day 159, we face a sobering study in generational consequences and corporate holiness. In 2 Samuel, the dark prophecy over David's house begins to unlock with heartbreaking precision. We watch David's oldest son, Amnon, commit a brutal act of assault against his half-sister Tamar, followed by the cold-blooded, vengeful assassination of Amnon by her brother Absalom. David's past failures cast a long, tragic shadow over his children. In the New Testament, we experience the early church navigating its own internal threats in Acts 4 and 5. After a powerful prayer meeting that shakes the building with Holy Spirit boldness, the community experiences an unmatched wave of generosity. But a husband and wife, Ananias and Sapphira, attempt to fake that sacrificial heart by lying to the Holy Spirit about a land sale, leading to a swift, terrifying reminder of God's absolute holiness. Today’s Scripture: 📖 2 Samuel 13:1–39 – Amnon becomes obsessed with his half-sister Tamar. Following a wicked plan hatched by his cousin Jonadab, Amnon fakes an illness and assaults her, immediately discarding her in hatred. When King David hears of it, he is furious but fails to execute justice. Two years later, Tamar’s brother Absalom takes vengeance into his own hands, throwing a sheep-shearing feast where his servants assassinate a drunk Amnon. Absalom flees into exile, leaving a grieving David longing for his son. 📖 Acts 4:23–5:11 – Released from custody, Peter and John return to the believers, who pray a majestic sovereign psalm. The place is shaken, and they are filled with boldness. Barnabas and others sell houses and lands to care for the needy. In chapter 5, Ananias and Sapphira hold back a portion of their land sale while claiming to give it all. Peter exposes their deceitful conspiracy, and both collapse dead on the spot, bringing great fear upon the entire church. 📖 Psalm 71:9–18 – The psalmist continues his moving prayer for God's lifelong faithfulness: "Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent." He vows to praise God more and more, committing to proclaim His mighty deeds and saving righteousness to the next generation. RESOURCES & READ-ALONG 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF 📖 Follow the Text (LEB): https://biblia.com/books/leb/ 🗓️ Download the Full Plan: https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/ CONNECT & SUPPORT 📧 Questions? Scott: scott@huttobible.com 🎁 Partner with Us: https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support 📩 Ministry Updates: https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe CREDITS & LEGAL The Lexham English Bible is used by permission. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Music: "Be The Hero" by Pumpupthemind via Free Music Archive (CC BY 4.0). Keywords: 2 Samuel 13, Acts 4, Acts 5, Psalm 71, Amnon and Tamar, Absalom's revenge, David's family tragedy, place was shaken, Barnabas generosity, Ananias and Sapphira lie, great fear came upon the church, audio bible.
S1 · E159
Jun 8, 2026
15:51
Nathan Confronts David & Peter Defies the Sanhedrin | Day 158
What happens when the truth we try to hide is brought into the light? Today on Day 158, we navigate a dramatic study in contrasts, moving from the secret corruption of a palace bedroom to the public boldness of a prison trial. In 2 Samuel, King David commits his most infamous sins. Staying home from the battlefield, he falls into adultery with Bathsheba, orchestrates a cold-blooded cover-up that costs the life of her husband, Uriah the Hittite, and falls under the blistering prophetic rebuke of Nathan: "You are the man!" In the New Testament, we watch a completely different kind of pressure unfold in Acts 4. Hauled before the exact same high council that condemned Jesus to death, Peter and John refuse to hide or back down. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they boldly proclaim the name of Jesus, leaving their powerful accusers entirely speechless at the courage of these uneducated, common men. Today’s Scripture: 📖 2 Samuel 11:1–12:31 – David stays behind in Jerusalem while the army is at war. He sees Bathsheba bathing, sleeps with her, and she becomes pregnant. After a failed attempt to trick her husband Uriah into sleeping with her to cover the timeline, David orders Joab to abandon Uriah on the front lines to die. Chapter 12 brings reckoning: Nathan the prophet tells David a clever parable about a rich man stealing a poor man's lamb, trapping David into condemning himself. David repents deeply, but the consequences of his sin ripple out immediately through the tragic death of the child, followed later by the birth of Solomon. 📖 Acts 4:1–22 – The Sadducees and Temple guards arrest Peter and John for preaching the resurrection, throwing them in jail. The next day, the Sanhedrin demands to know by what power they healed the lame beggar. Peter declares that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus, whom they crucified but God raised. Amazed by their boldness, the council orders them to stop preaching, but Peter and John counter: "We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." 📖 Psalm 71:1–8 – A beautiful prayer of refuge for an aging believer: "In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame!" The psalmist praises God as his rock, his fortress, and his hope since youth, vowing that his mouth will be filled with praise and honor all day long. RESOURCES & READ-ALONG 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF 📖 Follow the Text (LEB): https://biblia.com/books/leb/ 🗓️ Download the Full Plan: https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/ CONNECT & SUPPORT 📧 Questions? Reach out to Scott: scott@huttobible.com 🎁 Partner with our Ministry: https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support 📩 Get Ministry Updates: https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe CREDITS & LEGAL The Lexham English Bible is used by permission. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software. Music: "Be The Hero" by Pumpupthemind via Free Music Archive (CC BY 4.0).
S1 · E158
Jun 8, 2026
18:28
David’s Grace to Saul’s Grandson & Peter Heals a Lame Beggar | Day 157
What does radical grace look like when it meets human brokenness? Today on Day 157, we witness two breathtaking displays of compassion that illustrate the heart of God's Kingdom. In 2 Samuel, King David seeks out anyone left of the household of his former enemy, Saul. Instead of executing potential rivals—the standard practice of the ancient world—David pulls Jonathan's crippled son, Mephibosheth, out of hiding and seats him permanently at the royal dinner table. In the New Testament, we watch the power of the risen King flow directly through His disciples in Acts 3. Standing at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, Peter and John meet a man lame from birth begging for money. Rather than passing him by or tossing him a coin, Peter declares, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee," healing him instantly in the name of Jesus and inviting a stunned crowd to look to the true Author of life. Today’s Scripture: 📖 2 Samuel 9:1–10:19 – David demonstrates chesed (covenant kindness) by restoring all of Saul's land to Mephibosheth and treating him like his own son. In chapter 10, David tries to show kindness to the new king of the Ammonites, but his ambassadors are insulted and humiliated. This sparks a major war, forcing Joab and the army of Israel to fight a two-front battle against the Ammonites and Syrians, ending in a decisive victory for Israel. 📖 Acts 3:1–26 – Peter and John encounter a lame beggar at the Temple gate. Peter commands him to walk in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and the man leaps up, praising God. As a crowd gathers in amazement at Solomon's Portico, Peter delivers a bold sermon, explaining that it was faith in Jesus—whom they delivered up but God raised—that made this man strong, calling them to repent so times of refreshing may come. 📖 Psalm 70:1–5 – An urgent, passionate cry from David for swift deliverance: "Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Make haste to help me, O Lord!" He prays that those who seek his life would be turned back, while asking that all who seek God would rejoice and continually say, "God is great!" RESOURCES & READ-ALONG 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF 📖 Follow the Text (LEB): https://biblia.com/books/leb/ 🗓️ Download the Full Plan: https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/ CONNECT & SUPPORT 📧 Questions? Reach out to Scott: scott@huttobible.com 🎁 Partner with our Ministry: https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support 📩 Get Ministry Updates: https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe CREDITS & LEGAL The Lexham English Bible is used by permission. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software. Music: "Be The Hero" by Pumpupthemind via Free Music Archive (CC BY 4.0). Keywords: 2 Samuel 9, 2 Samuel 10, Acts 3, Psalm 70, Mephibosheth, kindness to Saul's house, Hanun insults David's men, lame man healed, Beautiful Gate, silver and gold have I none, Solomon's portico, times of refreshing, audio bible.
S1 · E157
Jun 6, 2026
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