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
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
Dec 17, 2024 • 35min
Word and Spirit | Disruptive Presence 119
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 on the tension between the Spirit’s guidance and human interpretation. Acts 21 considers Agabus, a prophet who delivers an unembellished yet weighty word to Paul. Together, we discuss the role of prophecy in the Book of Acts and consider how the modern church often wrestles with the prophetic.We explore the importance of humility in prophetic ministry, the dangers of manipulation, and how Christians can test and discern prophetic words without cynicism or naivety. Paul’s calm acceptance of Agabus’ message offers a model of trust and accountability for us today: “The Lord’s will be done.”Episode 176 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 119If 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 5, 2024 • 31min
The Cost of Obedience | Disruptive Presence 118
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 on the tension in Acts 21, where Paul is compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem while others, through the same Spirit, urge him not to go. We explore the nature of prophecy, the cost of discipleship, and how Paul’s resolve mirrors Jesus’ journey to the cross. Along the way, we trace Luke’s narrative arc, connecting Mary’s submission, Jesus’ obedience, and Paul’s determination.Episode 175 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 118If 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 3, 2024 • 34min
Gospel Travelogue | Disruptive Presence 117
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 on the travel narratives in Acts 21. As Paul embarks on his journey towards Jerusalem, we examine how the Gospel spreads along ancient trading routes and the significance of the Christian communities Paul encounters. From coastal cities to quiet homes, we explore the inherent value of the gathered Church—whether large or small, structured or organic. What lessons can the modern Church draw from Paul’s approach to mission and fellowship? Episode 174 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 117If 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 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.
