
Two Texts
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?
Latest episodes

Nov 21, 2024 • 43min
Better to give than to get | Disruptive Presence 116
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 reach the conclusion of Paul’s farewell speech in Acts 20, exploring the depth of his commitment to selfless service and his rejection of material gain. We reflect on Paul’s defence against accusations, his example of generosity, and the statement attributed to Jesus that we don't hear in the Gospels: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’Episode 173 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 116If 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

Nov 19, 2024 • 44min
Grace upon Grace | Disruptive Presence 115
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 continue their dive into Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:32-36. We explore the power of scripture to shape lives, the gift of grace as both unearned and transformative, and the theological anchors Paul leaves with these leaders. Episode 172 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 115If 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

8 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 40min
The Pastor as Shepherd | Disruptive Presence 114
John and David dive into the biblical theme of shepherding, exploring Paul's address to the Ephesian elders about their roles as church overseers. They discuss Jesus as the Good Shepherd, contrasting effective and ineffective leaders. The conversation highlights the theological implications of pastoral care, emphasizing community engagement over isolated leadership. They also critique the modern commodification of relationships, advocating for a shared responsibility of nurturing connections within Christian communities, urging everyone to partake in the care process.

Nov 5, 2024 • 41min
Paul the Pastor | Disruptive Presence 113
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 delve further into the depths of Paul's farewell speech to the Ephesian elders. We explore Paul’s pastoral heart and consider how the image of the Shepherd shapes ideas of serving in the church.Episode 170 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 113If 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

Oct 24, 2024 • 38min
A Spirit of Beholding | Disruptive Presence 112
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 continue their exploration of Paul’s farewell speech to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:22-24. We consider how Paul speaks about being “bound by the Spirit” and the compelling nature of his mission, despite the dangers that await. We reflect on the significance of the term “behold” in the biblical text, highlighting how it invites silence and attentiveness. This leads to a broader conversation on the practice of beholding in our spiritual lives while drawing connections between Paul’s words here and his letters, we explore the echoes of Philippians, Timothy, and more. Episode 169 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 112If 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

Oct 22, 2024 • 43min
Paul Says Goodbye | Disruptive Presence 111
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 discuss Paul’s farewell speech to the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20. We explore how Paul’s message emphasizes humility, transparency, and commitment, highlighting his dedication to serving the church and sharing the gospel. Our conversation also touches on the relational aspects of faith, the significance of repentance, and the importance of Paul’s integrity and vulnerability in his ministry, illustrating how he embodies a life fully oriented towards Jesus.Episode 168 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 111If 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

Oct 10, 2024 • 35min
A Boy Called Fortunate | Disruptive Presence 110
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 explore the story of Eutychus in Acts 20, discussing the early church's gathering practices, the significance of discomfort in spiritual growth, and the "naturalness" of miracles within the community. They emphasize the importance of maintaining focus on spiritual practices rather than becoming distracted by miraculous events, highlighting the need for a balance between the supernatural and the routine aspects of faith.Episode 167 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 110If 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

Oct 8, 2024 • 37min
First Day Gatherings | Disruptive Presence 109
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 consider Acts 20:7. A short verse that tells us much about the early church's practices, the connection to the resurrection, and the intentionality behind worship structures. How does a church gathering reflect the plan of God for his people and the world?Read about John's new book Emmaus - The Walk that Changed EverythingEpisode 166 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 109If 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

Sep 26, 2024 • 35min
Communities of Faith not Fear | Disruptive Presence 108
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 explore the themes of the early church's behaviour, the dynamics of fear and faith, and the importance of community in the Christian journey. They discuss how the actions of the early disciples empowered others, the significance of small groups in effecting change, and the need for patience and understanding in navigating cultural differences within the church.Episode 165 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 108If 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

Sep 24, 2024 • 37min
Avoiding Unnecessary Conflict | Disruptive Presence 107
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 explore Acts 19, the dynamics of mob mentality, the role of a city clerk in calming a chaotic assembly, and the implications of Paul's absence during a critical moment. They discuss the early church's approach to presenting the gospel without resorting to blasphemy or lawlessness, and how this reflects on their relationship with the Roman Empire. How important is living out the gospel in a way that maintains credibility and avoids unnecessary conflict.Episode 164 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 107If 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