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
6 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 40min
What Have You Done? | Jonah Beyond the Whale 11
Dive into the unexpected irony of Jonah's rebellion contrasted with the righteous reactions of Gentile sailors. Explore thought-provoking themes of evil and divine intervention as Jonah confesses his identity amidst a storm. The hosts reflect on biblical parallels and the complexities of prophetic mediation, drawing connections to Exodus and creation narratives. With a clever look at how the sailors mirror moral outrage, the discussion reveals layers of scriptural interpretation in Jonah's flight and his ironic quotations. Prepare for a deep dive into textual echoes!
5 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 33min
Casting Lots and Calming Storms | Jonah Beyond the Whale 10
John and David dive into the gripping narrative of Jonah, exploring themes of fear and worship as sailors transition from terror to reverence. They unravel the deep connections across scripture, highlighting the sailors’ unexpected faithfulness compared to Jonah. The discussion includes a fascinating look at casting lots, Jonah’s role as a scapegoat, and its parallels to Christ’s sacrifice. Unpacking the significance of Hebrew terms for crying out adds depth to the sailors’ transformative experience, making biblical echoes more thrilling and relevant.
4 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 36min
When Sailors Pray and Prophets Sleep | Jonah Beyond the Whale 9
Dive into the ironic world of Jonah, where sleep-deprived prophets clash with praying sailors amid a raging storm! The hosts unveil the layers of Jonah's rebellion, exploring how Gentile mariners cry out while the prophet slumbers, and how this narrative inverts expectations. Hear about the captain’s words that resonate with God's command and catch witty connections to the Psalms. Along the way, the discussion highlights the storm as not just weather, but a profound divine reaction, making for a compelling blend of humor and spiritual insight.
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.
