The Bible in a Year Podcast with Scott Purcell

Scott Purcell

One year. Three daily readings. Zero burnout. Join us on the Bible in a Year Podcast as we journey through the entire Bible in 365 days. By blending the Old Testament, New Testament, and Wisdom books daily, we ensure you stay refreshed and engaged—no matter how "slow" the book. Read from the stunningly clear Lexham English Bible, this podcast highlights the majestic names of God and the interconnectedness of Scripture. Subscribe today and make this the year you finally finish the Book.

  1. Elisha Multiplies a Widow's Oil & Agabus Prophesies Paul's Imprisonment | Day 182

    3d ago

    Elisha Multiplies a Widow's Oil & Agabus Prophesies Paul's Imprisonment | Day 182

    What happens when God asks us to step out in faith before we see the solution? Today on Day 182, we witness remarkable, life-giving miracles operating in the desert alongside a resolute apostle who refuses to back down from his assignment. In 2 Kings, the prophet Elisha steps into his new role with staggering authority. He commands a stranded army to dig dry ditches that God miraculously fills with water, rescues a bankrupt widow from slavery by multiplying her oil, and raises a hospitable Shunammite woman's dead son back to life. In the book of Acts, we watch Paul’s journey to Jerusalem reach its tense climax. At every single stop, disciples warned by the Holy Spirit beg him not to go. A prophet named Agabus even uses a graphic visual sign to show that Paul will be bound by the authorities. Yet, anchored by a deep conviction, Paul pushes forward into the city, willing not only to be bound but to die for the name of Jesus. Today’s Scripture: 📖 2 Kings 3:1–4:37 – An alliance of kings faces a water crisis in the desert while fighting Moab. Elisha calls for a musician, and under the hand of the Lord, commands them to dig ditches, which are filled with water overnight without wind or rain. In chapter 4, Elisha multiplies a poor widow’s jar of oil until every borrowed vessel is full, saving her sons from creditors. Later, he promises a son to a prominent, hospitable Shunammite woman; when the boy suddenly dies years later, Elisha stretches over him until the child sneezes seven times and opens his eyes. 📖 Acts 21:1–26 – Paul sails toward Jerusalem, stopping at Tyre and Caesarea. The believers repeatedly urge him through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem. Agabus the prophet takes Paul’s belt, binds his own hands and feet, and declares that the Holy Spirit says the Jews will bind the owner of this belt. The disciples weep and plead, but Paul responds, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die." Arriving in Jerusalem, Paul meets with James and joins a purification ritual to ease local tensions. 📖 Psalm 78:56–72 – Asaph tracks how Israel rebelled yet again, moving God to jealousy with high places and idols. God temporarily abandoned His dwelling at Shiloh, but eventually chose the tribe of Judah, built His sanctuary like the high heavens, and chose David from the sheepfolds to shepherd His people with integrity. 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).

    22 min
  2. Chariots of Fire and Tearful Farewells: Elijah’s Departure & Paul’s Final Charge (Day 181)

    3d ago

    Chariots of Fire and Tearful Farewells: Elijah’s Departure & Paul’s Final Charge (Day 181)

    What legacy do you leave behind when your assignment on earth is complete? Today on Day 181, we encounter two of the most emotionally gripping transitions in the entire biblical narrative. In 2 Kings, the monumental ministry of Elijah comes to a spectacular finish. As he and his faithful successor Elisha cross the Jordan, a chariot of fire sweeps Elijah up into heaven in a whirlwind, leaving behind his mantle and a double portion of his prophetic spirit to carry on the work. In the book of Acts, the apostle Paul delivers a deeply emotional farewell to the elders of the Ephesian church. Knowing that chains and afflictions await him in Jerusalem, Paul retraces his footsteps, performs a miraculous resurrection of a young man who fell from a third-story window, and tearfully commits the leaders to the word of God's grace, leaving an unforgettable template for spiritual leadership. Today’s Scripture: 📖 2 Kings 1:1–2:25 – King Ahaziah falls through a lattice and sends messengers to consult a pagan god, drawing a swift rebuke from Elijah. The king sends three separate companies of fifty soldiers to arrest the prophet; fire consumes the first two groups before Elijah spares the third. In chapter 2, Elijah is taken to heaven by a whirlwind accompanied by a chariot of fire. Elisha picks up Elijah's fallen mantle, splits the Jordan River, purifies a toxic water supply in Jericho, and encounters immediate opposition from mockers near Bethel. 📖 Acts 20:1–38 – Paul travels through Macedonia and Greece. During a late-night meeting in Troas, a young man named Eutychus falls asleep in a window during Paul’s long sermon, plummets three stories to his death, and is miraculously raised to life by Paul. Landing at Miletus, Paul sends for the Ephesian elders. He reminds them of his tears and trials, declares he is innocent of their blood because he taught the whole counsel of God, and warns them to guard the flock against fierce wolves. 📖 Psalm 78:40–55 – Asaph continues the historical psalm, tracking how often Israel rebelled in the wilderness, forgetting the plagues of Egypt, the dividing of the Red Sea, and how God drove out the nations before them to give them an inheritance. 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 Kings 1, 2 Kings 2, Acts 20, Psalm 78, Elijah fire from heaven, chariot of fire, Elisha mantle, double portion, Eutychus raised, Ephesian elders farewell, whole counsel of God, fierce wolves, audio bible.

    21 min
  3. Sovereign Decrees and Silenced Shouts: Micaiah’s Truth & The Riot at Ephesus (Day 180)

    5d ago

    Sovereign Decrees and Silenced Shouts: Micaiah’s Truth & The Riot at Ephesus (Day 180)

    What happens when human systems unite to drown out the voice of truth? Today on Day 180, we reach a dramatic intersection where prideful rulers and angry mobs try to control their own destinies. In 1 Kings, King Ahab surrounds himself with hundreds of comforting, yes-man prophets who promise him military victory. Only one man, Micaiah, dares to speak the devastating truth of God. Ahab tries to outsmart the prophecy by entering the battle in disguise, but a stray arrow cuts through his armor, proving that no human scheme can hide from divine judgment. In the book of Acts, the economic and cultural impact of the gospel sets off a massive riot in Ephesus. A local silversmith realizes that Paul's preaching is destroying the lucrative market for pagan idols. He whips a stadium crowd into a two-hour frenzy of chanting for the goddess Artemis, showing how violently a culture will react when its economic and religious idols are directly threatened by the true King. Today’s Scripture: 📖 1 Kings 22:1–53 – Ahab allies with King Jehoshaphat of Judah to retake Ramoth-gilead. While 400 false prophets predict success, the lone prophet Micaiah warns that Israel will be scattered on the mountains. Furious, Ahab imprisons Micaiah and goes to war in disguise while Jehoshaphat wears royal robes. A Syrian soldier draws his bow at random, hitting Ahab between the scale armor and breastplate. Ahab bleeds out in his chariot, and dogs lick up his blood at the pool of Samaria, exactly as Elijah foretold. 📖 Acts 19:14–41 – The seven sons of Sceva try to cast out demons using Jesus' name without knowing Him, only for the demon-possessed man to overpower and strip them naked. Later, Demetrius the silversmith panics over losing business making shrines for Artemis. He incites a chaotic mob that drags Paul’s companions into the great theater, shouting for two hours, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" The town clerk finally quiets the crowd, warning them of rioting charges and dismissing the assembly. 📖 Proverbs 15:31–16:7 – Wisdom on plans and pride: "The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor." Solomon reminds us that all the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit, and encourages us to commit our work to the Lord. 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: 1 Kings 22, Acts 19, Proverbs 15, Proverbs 16, Micaiah prophet, Ahab death, random arrow, Jehoshaphat, sons of Sceva, Demetrius silversmith, Artemis Ephesus, theater riot, audio bible.

    19 min
  4. Stolen Vineyards and Empowered Disciples: Ahab's Greed & The Holy Spirit at Ephesus (Day 179)

    Jun 28

    Stolen Vineyards and Empowered Disciples: Ahab's Greed & The Holy Spirit at Ephesus (Day 179)

    What happens when corrupt human authority collides with the uncompromised justice of God? Today on Day 179, we witness the stark contrast between the entitlement of a wicked royal palace and the humility of a growing church. In 1 Kings, King Ahab throws a temper tantrum when a godly citizen refuses to sell his family inheritance. Queen Jezebel steps in with a cold-blooded, corrupt conspiracy to murder the innocent landowner for his vineyard, triggering a swift, terrifying announcement of judgment from the prophet Elijah. In the book of Acts, we watch the explosive expansion of the gospel into Ephesus. From Corinth to Asia Minor, the Lord protects His workers and deepens the understanding of His people. We watch a brilliant preacher named Apollos get gently aligned with the full truth, and we stand by as Paul lays hands on believers who had only known the baptism of John, ushering them into the full, dynamic power of the Holy Spirit. Today’s Scripture: 📖 1 Kings 20:1–21:29 – King Ben-hadad of Syria besieges Samaria, but God grants Ahab a miraculous victory to prove He is the Lord. Ahab foolishly spares the Syrian king, drawing prophetic condemnation. In chapter 21, Ahab demands the vineyard of Naboth, who refuses to yield his ancestral inheritance. Jezebel suborns false witnesses to stone Naboth for blasphemy. As Ahab goes to claim the land, Elijah confronts him, predicting that dogs will lick up Ahab's blood and consume Jezebel. Ahab humbles himself, causing God to delay the disaster. 📖 Acts 18:9–19:13 – Jesus appears to Paul in Corinth, promising protection: "I have many data points... many people in this city." Paul stays 18 months. Apollos arrives in Ephesus preaching boldly but only knowing John's baptism; Priscilla and Aquila explain the way of God more accurately to him. In chapter 19, Paul finds twelve disciples in Ephesus who had not heard of the Holy Spirit. He baptizes them in the name of Jesus, lays hands on them, and the Holy Spirit comes upon them in tongues and prophecy. 📖 Psalm 78:32–39 – Asaph reflects on God's incredible mercy toward an unfaithful nation. Even when they flattered Him with lies, God, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity and restrained His anger, remembering that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and comes not again. 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: 1 Kings 20, 1 Kings 21, Acts 18, Acts 19, Psalm 78, Ahab and Ben-hadad, Naboth's vineyard, Jezebel plot, Elijah's prophecy, Apollos Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila, baptism of John, Holy Spirit Ephesus, audio bible.

    24 min
  5. Fire on the Mountain and Whispers in the Cave: Elijah’s Showdown & Paul’s Bold Speech (Day 178)

    Jun 27

    Fire on the Mountain and Whispers in the Cave: Elijah’s Showdown & Paul’s Bold Speech (Day 178)

    What happens when God answers by fire, and what happens when He answers in a whisper? Today on Day 178, we witness some of the most iconic and dramatic moments in biblical history. In 1 Kings, Elijah challenges 450 prophets of Baal to an epic showdown on Mount Carmel to prove who is the true God. But right after this monumental victory, a death threat from Jezebel sends a depleted Elijah running into the wilderness, where God meets his deep depression not with a roaring wind or an earthquake, but with a gentle, low whisper. In the New Testament, Paul stands before the brilliant minds of Athens at the Areopagus in Acts 17 and 18. He boldly uses their own altar to the "Unknown God" to introduce them to the Creator of the universe who commands all people to repent because of the resurrection of Jesus. Afterward, Paul moves on to Corinth, teaming up with Aquila and Priscilla to anchor a brand-new church community. Today’s Scripture: 📖 1 Kings 18:16–19:21 – Elijah faces Ahab and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Baal's prophets cry out all day to no avail, but when Elijah drenches his altar with water and prays, fire falls from heaven and consumes everything. Elijah executes the false prophets and rain floods the land. In chapter 19, Jezebel vows to kill him, and a fearful Elijah flees to Mount Horeb. God passes by—not in the wind, earthquake, or fire—but in a low whisper, comforting Elijah and commanding him to anoint Elisha as his successor. 📖 Acts 17:22–18:8 – Paul addresses the Areopagus, declaring that the God who made the world does not live in man-made temples and is not far from us. He proclaims the resurrection, causing some to mock while others believe. In chapter 18, Paul arrives in Corinth, works as a tentmaker alongside Aquila and Priscilla, and reasons in the synagogue every Sabbath, leading to the high-profile conversion of Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, and his entire household. 📖 Psalm 78:17–31 – Asaph recounts how Israel rebelled in the desert, demanding food and doubting God's provision despite Him splitting the rocks. Though God rained down manna and meat like dust, His anger kindled against them because they ate greedily and refused to trust His power. 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: 1 Kings 18, 1 Kings 19, Acts 17, Acts 18, Psalm 78, Mount Carmel fire, prophets of Baal, still small voice, Elijah depression, Paul Areopagus sermon, unknown God, tentmakers Corinth, Aquila and Priscilla, audio bible.

    19 min
  6. Elijah Shuts Up the Sky & the Bereans Examines the Scriptures at Paul's message | Day 177

    Jun 26

    Elijah Shuts Up the Sky & the Bereans Examines the Scriptures at Paul's message | Day 177

    What happens when the true living God aggressively confronts a culture of idols? Today on Day 177, we meet two of the most courageous figures in Scripture stepping onto hostile stages to declare the truth. In 1 Kings, the northern kingdom of Israel plunges into its darkest spiritual era under King Ahab and Jezebel. Out of nowhere, the prophet Elijah bursts onto the scene, shutting up the heavens with a word, surviving by ravens at a brook, raising a widow's son, and preparing a final showdown against the prophets of Baal. In the book of Acts, Paul carries that exact same confrontational fire into Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. We watch him reason from the Scriptures, proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise. We look at the noble Bereans, who test everything against the Word, before following Paul to Athens, where his spirit is deeply provoked by a city completely smothered in pagan idols. Today’s Scripture: 📖 1 Kings 16:8–18:15 – Israel experiences bloody political chaos until Ahab takes the throne, doing more evil than all who went before him by marrying Jezebel and institutionalizing Baal worship. Elijah the Tishbite suddenly appears, declaring a multi-year drought. God hides Elijah at the brook Cherith where ravens feed him, then sends him to a widow in Zarephath, where her oil and flour miraculously never run out. When her son dies, Elijah stretches over him and prays, and God raises the boy to life. Three years later, Elijah steps out to confront Ahab. 📖 Acts 17:1–21 – Paul and Silas preach in Thessalonica, causing a riot by envious critics who claim they are "turning the world upside down." They flee to Berea, where the Jews are praised as more noble because they received the word eagerly and examined the Scriptures daily. Driven out again, Paul travels to Athens. While waiting, his spirit is provoked by the city’s rampant idolatry, leading him to debate daily in the marketplace and catch the attention of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers at the Areopagus. 📖 Psalm 78:9–16 – Asaph recalls how the tribe of Ephraim turned back on the day of battle because they forgot God's wonders—including how He split the rocks in the wilderness and made water run down like rivers. 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: 1 Kings 16, 1 Kings 17, 1 Kings 18, Acts 17, Psalm 78, Ahab and Jezebel, Elijah drought, ravens feed Elijah, widow of Zarephath raised, turning world upside down, noble Bereans, Paul in Athens, Areopagus, audio bible.

    20 min
  7. Shaken Prisons and Crumbling Thrones: Wicked Kings & The Midnight Song (Day 176)

    Jun 25

    Shaken Prisons and Crumbling Thrones: Wicked Kings & The Midnight Song (Day 176)

    What do you do when your faithfulness lands you in a dark place? Today on Day 176, we face a stark contrast between kings who misuse their freedom and prisoners who find absolute liberty in chains. In 1 Kings, we slide through a rapid succession of rulers in both Judah and Israel. Most choose the path of idolatry, corruption, and warfare, illustrating how easily structural leadership collapses when it leaves behind the wisdom of God. In the book of Acts, the spiritual battle intensifies in Philippi. After delivering a slave girl from a demonic spirit of divination, Paul and Silas are stripped, beaten, and thrown into a maximum-security dungeon. Instead of grumbling or despairing, they turn their prison cell into a sanctuary, praying and singing hymns at midnight. When a violent earthquake shatters the chains and opens the doors, it paves the way for a desperate jailer and his entire household to find salvation. Today’s Scripture: 📖 1 Kings 14:21–16:7 – Rehoboam leads Judah into rampant idolatry, resulting in Egypt plundering the Temple treasures. He is succeeded by Abijam, who continues his sins, followed by Asa, who brings reform by destroying idols and deposing his grandmother for making an Asherah pole. Meanwhile, the northern kingdom of Israel experiences chaotic assassinations: Nadab is slaughtered by Baasha, who wipes out Jeroboam's lineage, only to face a similar prophetic doom from Jehu for continuing Jeroboam's sins. 📖 Acts 16:16–40 – Paul casts out a fortune-telling spirit from a slave girl, infuriating her owners who lose their source of income. Paul and Silas are severely beaten and thrown into the inner prison with their feet in stocks. At midnight, as they sing hymns, an earthquake shakes the foundations, opening all doors. The jailer draws his sword to kill himself, assuming the prisoners fled, but Paul stops him. Stricken with awe, the jailer asks, "What must I do to be saved?" He and his household believe, rejoice, and are baptized. 📖 Proverbs 15:21–30 – Wisdom on paths and perspective: "Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead." Solomon reminds us that plans fail without counsel and notes that a cheerful report refreshes the bones. 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: 1 Kings 14, 1 Kings 15, 1 Kings 16, Acts 16, Proverbs 15, King Asa reform, Baasha revolt, slave girl divination, Paul and Silas in prison, midnight singing, earthquake Philippi, jailer baptized, audio bible.

    18 min

About

One year. Three daily readings. Zero burnout. Join us on the Bible in a Year Podcast as we journey through the entire Bible in 365 days. By blending the Old Testament, New Testament, and Wisdom books daily, we ensure you stay refreshed and engaged—no matter how "slow" the book. Read from the stunningly clear Lexham English Bible, this podcast highlights the majestic names of God and the interconnectedness of Scripture. Subscribe today and make this the year you finally finish the Book.