19. Why Some Scholars Call Isaiah the “Fifth Gospel”

Dr. Michael Chan shares the summary of the Book of Isaiah, covering its origins, historical context, key themes, and enduring significance for Christian faith and theology.

The Book of Isaiah is one of the most sweeping, complex, and consequential books in the entire Old Testament, and in this episode, Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston sit down with Old Testament scholar Dr. Michael Chan for a summary of the Book of Isaiah that brings it to life. Dr. Chan explains how Isaiah grew over centuries across three major historical horizons: the Assyrian period, the Babylonian exile, and the Persian period, shaped by generations of scribes writing in Isaiah’s name. From the famous “voice crying in the wilderness” in chapter 40 to the haunting Suffering Servant passage in Isaiah 52-53, this conversation covers the key themes, people, and moments that make Isaiah so remarkable.

Dr. Chan also makes the case that you simply cannot understand Christian theology, or Jesus’ own self-understanding, without reading the Book of Isaiah. Called by some “the fifth gospel,” Isaiah’s fingerprints are all over the New Testament, from Advent texts to Handel’s Messiah. Whether you’re a first-time reader or a seasoned Bible student, this episode will help you approach Isaiah’s dense Hebrew poetry with patience, curiosity, and a capable guide alongside you.

Bible Bingo

Hezekiah
Assyria
Restoration
Babylon
Judgment

7-Word Summary

“Most consequential Old Testament book we can read.“

Featuring

Michael Chan

Dr. Michael Chan serves as Vice President for Mission and Inclusion. He joined the Concordia College community in June 2022 as the executive director for faith and learning. Prior to that, he was Associate Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He taught at Luther Seminary following the completion of his Ph.D. at Emory University and a year of research and teaching at the University of Helsinki. He is a graduate of Luther Seminary (M.A. in biblical theology) and Pacific Lutheran University (B.A. in elementary education).

See Profile

Hosted By

Kathryn Schifferdecker

Kathryn M Schifferdecker is Professor and Elva B. Lovell Chair of Old Testament at Luther Seminary. Ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 2001, Schifferdecker was associate pastor for five years at Trinity Lutheran Church, Arkdale, Wisconsin, before coming to Luther in 2006. Schifferdecker is a frequent contributor to Working Preacher, Word & World, and the author of "Out of the Whirlwind: Creation Theology in the Book of Job" (Harvard University Press, 2008). She is currently writing a commentary on the book of Esther.

See Profile

Katie Langston

Katie Langston is a doubter by nature and a believer by grace. She grew up Mormon in a small Utah town and still isn't sure she fits in anywhere sophisticated enough to have a Target. She's the author of Sealed: An Unexpected Journey into the Heart of Grace, an acclaimed spiritual memoir about her conversion to orthodox Christianity. Katie is Pastor of Mission and Outreach at New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah. From 2020-2025, she was the director of digital strategy for Luther Seminary's innovation team, where she oversaw digital projects aimed at cultivating vibrant Christian spirituality in a post-modern, post-Christian cultural context.

See Profile

About The Bible in a Year Podcast

This podcast guides you on a journey through the books of the Bible, providing insights on how Scripture can shape your life today. Each episode focuses on one or two books of the Bible in fun, engaging, and authentic conversations between Luther Seminary faculty and guest Bible scholars who are experts on the book(s) in question. Join us as we make our way through the Bible in a year — new episodes drop every Wednesday in 2026!