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
Mar 4, 2025 • 36min
Providence, Empire, and Paul | Disruptive Presence 129
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 23 and the Roman commander’s efforts to protect Paul. They reflect on the providential hand of God working even through empire, using a Roman official to safeguard the gospel’s advance. Together, they consider how Luke highlights both the individual humanity of the commander and the impersonal machinery of empire, contrasting it with God’s intimate care for Paul. Along the way, they explore themes of justice, trust, and the surprising ways God works through flawed systems. Episode 186 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 129If 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
Feb 20, 2025 • 34min
A Plot Against Paul | Disruptive Presence 128
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 plot to kill Paul in Acts 23. With forty men vowing to kill him, the story highlights the way zeal can blind people to righteousness. They discuss the strange alliances that emerge in opposition to God’s work, the unseen hand of providence at work in Paul’s survival, and the ongoing battle between death and life throughout scripture.Episode 185 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 128If 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
Feb 19, 2025 • 35min
Jesus Stood Near | Disruptive Presence 127
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 reflect Paul’s escalating troubles in Jerusalem in Acts 23. As he faces violent opposition, Jesus stands near and speaks to him, offering courage for the road ahead. We explore how this moment fits into the wider pattern of God’s presence in times of crisis, the significance of divine encounters, and what it means for those seeking to hear God today.Episode 184 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 127If 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
Feb 6, 2025 • 43min
Resurrection, Rome, and Rhetoric | Disruptive Presence 126
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 Paul’s strategic use of Roman citizenship and Pharisaic identity in Acts 22–23. We discuss how Paul navigates power dynamics, shifts conversations, and exposes the divisions within the Sanhedrin. The episode highlights how Paul’s argument for resurrection sparks controversy, drawing a connection between resurrection and the inclusion of the Gentiles. They reflect on the dangers of oversimplifying complex issues, the biblical critique of power, and how Paul’s testimony ultimately serves the spread of the gospel. What can we learn from Paul’s wisdom in engaging with hostile audiences? Episode 183 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 126If 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
Feb 4, 2025 • 41min
A Citizen on Trial | Disruptive Presence 125
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 Paul’s dramatic encounter at the temple when he declares his mission to the Gentiles. They discuss how this statement shifts the trajectory of Acts, leading Paul towards Rome. We consider citizenship, its privileges, and its role in Paul’s story. We also reflect on the broader implications of living with multiple identities—Jewish, Roman, and Christian—and how Paul models a nuanced engagement with empire, faith, and mission. Finally, we consider what it means to be citizens of heaven while living within earthly systems.Episode 182 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 125If 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
Jan 23, 2025 • 37min
Transformational Questions | Disruptive Presence 124
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 reflect more on Paul’s testimony in Acts 22 and its differences from Acts 9. They discuss how the light Paul encountered was more than physical—it was revelatory, tied to the glory of God seen in scripture. Drawing connections to the Transfiguration and other encounters with divine glory, they consider how Paul’s questions, “Who are you, Lord?” and “What shall I do?” reflect his spiritual transformation. These questions, they argue, are pivotal for all Christians, reframing identity and purpose in light of God’s call.Episode 181 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 124If 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
Jan 21, 2025 • 41min
Revelation and Resistance | Disruptive Presence 123
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 22, where Paul recounts his dramatic encounter with Jesus to a hostile crowd. Reflecting on Paul’s confidence in simply presenting his story, we discuss the power of testimony and revelation over explanation. We note how Paul’s speech draws connections to Isaiah’s temple vision and John’s gospel, emphasising Jesus as the ultimate truth. Paul’s mention of Stephen highlights a thread of God’s work across time, as personal and communal transformation unfold within this chapter.Episode 180 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 123If 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
Jan 9, 2025 • 36min
Composure amidst Chaos | Disruptive Presence 122
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 Spirit-led composure in Acts 21–22, addressing a hostile mob and Roman commander with grace. They reflect on the crowd’s silence, Paul’s testimony, and lessons for the church today: staying calm, embodying truth, and sharing our Jesus stories to bring hope to the world.Episode 179 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 122If 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
Jan 7, 2025 • 33min
Mob Chaos and the Gospel | Disruptive Presence 121
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 arrest in Jerusalem and its parallels to Jesus’ trial, the human tendency to misunderstand, misjudge, and silence disruptive voices, and how fear often leads people to irrational decisions. There's a lot of human complexity on display as we explore Acts 21:27–40.Episode 178 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 121If 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
Dec 19, 2024 • 43min
The Spirit is not a Threat | Disruptive Presence 120
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 arrival in Jerusalem and the tensions that immediately confront him in Acts 21. We explore themes of isolation, accusations, and the challenges of bridging the gap between law and grace.What are the broader implications of Paul’s ministry, the gospel’s disruptive nature, and the perennial human struggle to control the movement of the Spirit?Listen to David's conversation with Luke-Acts scholar Martin Mittlestadt on Chris Green's Speakeasy TheologyEpisode 177 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 120If 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
