Two Texts
John Andrews and David Harvey
A Podcast about the Bible Every two weeks, from two different countries, the two hosts of the Two Texts podcast pick two biblical texts to talk about. Each episode we pick one text to talk about, which invariably leads to us talking about two texts and often many more.Dr John Andrews and Dr David Harvey share a mutual fascination with the Bible. Simple yet complex; ancient yet relevant; challenging yet comforting. But one thing that fascinates them consistently is that, like a kaleidoscope, no matter how many times they look at it there is something new, fresh and exciting to talk about.This podcast is designed for you regardless of how much or how little you've read the Bible. Grab a hot beverage, a notepad (or app), and a Bible, sit back, listen, enjoy, and learn to also become fascinated (or grow your fascination) with this exciting, compelling and mysterious book. John and David are two friends who love teaching the Bible and have both been privileged enough to be able to spend their careers doing this - in colleges, universities, churches, homes and coffee shops. The two of them have spent extended periods of time as teaching staff and leadership in seminary and church contexts. John has regularly taught at David's church, and there was even a point where John was David's boss! Nowadays David is a Priest and Pastor in Calgary, Canada, and John teaches and consults for churches in the UK and around the world. They're both married with children (John 3, David 1) and in John's case even grandchildren. In their down time you'll find them cooking, reading, running or watching football (but the one thing they don't agree on is which team to support). If you want to get in touch with either of them about something in the podcast you can reach out on podcast@twotexts.com or by liking and following the Two Texts podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you enjoy the podcast, we’d love it if you left a review or comment where you’re listening from – and if you really enjoyed it, why not share it with a friend?
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 18, 2025 • 36min
When Sailors Pray and Prophets Sleep | Jonah Beyond the Whale 9
Drop us a text message to say hi and let us know what you think of the show. (Include your email if you’d like us to reply)In which John and David begin their close reading of Jonah 1:4–16, exploring the storm at sea, the irony of the prophet asleep while Gentile sailors pray, and the echoes of God’s call in the captain’s words. Along the way, they notice how Jonah inverts expectations, draws on the Psalms, and anticipates later moments in the story.Episode 212 of the Two Texts Podcast | Jonah Beyond the Whale 9If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on podcast@twotexts.com or by liking and following the Two Texts podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you enjoy the podcast, we’d love it if you left a review or comment where you’re listening from – and if you really enjoyed it, why not share it with a friend?Music by Woodford Music (c) 2021________Help us keep Two Texts free for everyone by becoming a supporter of the show John and David want to ensure that Two Texts always remains free content for everyone. We don't want to create a paywall or have premium content that would exclude others. However, Two Texts costs us around £60 per month (US$75; CAD$100) to make. If you'd like to support the show with even just a small monthly donation it would help ensure we can continue to produce the content that you love. Thank you so much.Support the show
6 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 31min
Great God, Great City (& Great Fish) | Jonah Beyond the Whale 8
Explore Jonah's selective use of scripture and his complex relationship with God. Discover the great significance of Nineveh and its potential for transformation through grace. Delve into themes of God's unconditional love and mercy, challenging listeners to rethink inclusiveness. Examine Jonah's struggle with obedience and the contrasting nature of divine mercy and judgment. This discussion highlights God's desire to save humanity while navigating the complexities of scriptural interpretations.
6 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 35min
Quoting God to Himself | Jonah Beyond the Whale 7
The discussion dives into Jonah's bold act of quoting God's own words, revealing a fascinating dynamic of frustration and sincerity. It explores God's character, focusing on His attributes of compassion, grace, and faithfulness. Listeners learn about the rich Hebrew concept of 'chesed', representing God's loyal love within covenant relationships. The podcast highlights the contrast between divine faithfulness and human failings, offering a deeper understanding of how these themes resonate in both Jonah's story and our lives.
4 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 32min
The Disappointed Prophet | Jonah Beyond the Whale 6
Delve into the intriguing motivations behind Jonah's attempt to flee from God. Explore the fiery dialogue between Jonah and the divine, revealing his struggles with mercy and repentance. Witness the audacity of quoting scripture back to God, showcasing the complexities of faith and frustration. Furthermore, understand the unified nature of God's character, challenging the misconception of a vengeful Old Testament deity versus a loving New Testament one. This discussion offers rich insights into Jonah's emotional journey and the broader theological implications.
4 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 34min
Everything Obeys, Except Jonah | Jonah Beyond the Whale 5
Explore Jonah's ironic attempt to escape God's command, where everything obeys but him. The hosts discuss the vast distances of his flight to Tarshish and the theological implications of defying divine authority. Dive into the themes of rebellion, grace, and redemption as Jonah navigates his struggles. They also reflect on the significance of faith in decision-making, using an engaging train metaphor to inspire listeners to embrace God's guidance.
4 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 31min
Get up and...Flee? | Jonah Beyond the Whale 4
Dive into the rebellious journey of Jonah as he defies God's command and flees to Tarshish. Discover the rich literary layers that illustrate his descent into disobedience and sin. Explore the dual role of prophets in the Old Testament, contrasting their messages of hope and judgment. Unpack the poetic depth that invites meaningful reflection on obedience and resistance. This engaging discussion not only highlights the complexities of Jonah's story but also resonates with timeless themes of faith.
9 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 37min
At Odds with a Consistent God | Jonah Beyond the Whale 3
The hosts dive into Jonah's complex historical background, contrasting his story with Israel's turbulent era. They tackle the uneasy balance between prosperity and justice, highlighting the prophetic tensions within Jonah and Amos. God's unwavering loyalty and love emerge as central themes, challenging listeners to reflect on the nature of divine mercy. The discussion also explores the paradox of God extending redemption to nations that seem undeserving, drawing fascinating connections to broader biblical narratives and Jesus' mission.
8 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 39min
Jesus and Jonah | Jonah Beyond the Whale 2
Explore the intriguing connections between the story of Jonah and the teachings of Jesus. Discover how Jonah's reluctant mission and the unexpected repentance of Nineveh resonate with themes of mercy and redemption. Delve into the humor and irony woven throughout the Book of Jonah, revealing unsettling truths about human nature. Reflect on the complexities of divine love as it challenges our perceptions of mercy. This insightful discussion invites a deeper understanding of scripture and its relevance to our lives.
17 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 44min
Introducing Jonah | Jonah Beyond the Whale 1
John and David kick off an exciting season by diving deep into the complexities of Jonah's narrative. They encourage listeners to look beyond the famous fish story and explore significant theological insights. The discussion highlights themes of divine forgiveness, rebellion, and the call to repentance. Connections between Jonah and New Testament teachings are made, showcasing a narrative of redemption. This engaging dialogue challenges audiences to rethink how they approach scripture and its messages.
Jul 3, 2025 • 33min
Final Thoughts on Acts (for now) | Disruptive Presence 146
Drop us a text message to say hi and let us know what you think of the show. (Include your email if you’d like us to reply)In which John and David wrap up the 144 episodes of the Acts series. Thanks for listening with us. We're excited about our next series which is coming soon.Episode 203 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 146If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on podcast@twotexts.com or by liking and following the Two Texts podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you enjoy the podcast, we’d love it if you left a review or comment where you’re listening from – and if you really enjoyed it, why not share it with a friend?Music by Woodford Music (c) 2021________Help us keep Two Texts free for everyone by becoming a supporter of the show John and David want to ensure that Two Texts always remains free content for everyone. We don't want to create a paywall or have premium content that would exclude others. However, Two Texts costs us around £60 per month (US$75; CAD$100) to make. If you'd like to support the show with even just a small monthly donation it would help ensure we can continue to produce the content that you love. Thank you so much.Support the show
