Two Texts

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 into the significance of Priscilla and Aquila as a ministry couple, their role as fellow workers with Paul, and the broader theme of gender equality and partnership in ministry. They also explore the idea of discipleship and ministry, the role of Phoebe, and the concept of ruling the earth as male and female made in the image of God. The conversation draws connections between Acts 18 and Romans 16, highlighting the unfolding vision of humanity in the church.See Paula Gooder's Pheobe which we mentioned in the episodeEpisode 153 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 98If 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

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 David and John discuss Paul's vow in Acts 18. This episode is conversation that covers a range of topics, including their personal experiences, the journey of Paul in Acts 18, the significance of vows and commitments in the Christian faith, and the relationship between Jewish and Christian traditions. They explore the idea of vows as a way to shape and order one's life in devotion to God, without attributing salvation weight to these commitments. The podcast emphasizes the rootedness of the Christian faith in the Old Testament and the continuity between Jewish and Christian theology.Episode 152 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 97If 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

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 picture Paul teaching with seemingly unwavering confidence, even as factions of Corinth unite against him. They delve into the dramatic trial before Gallio, the proconsul, whose disinterest and swift dismissal align with God's earlier promise to Paul. The conversation notes a biblical critique of the state, noting parallels to Isaiah's warnings. The episode also explores how the Book of Acts offers both an apologetic for Christianity and a cautionary tale about the state’s self-serving nature in contrast with how the early church is seen advocating for the world's flourishing while trusting God with the church’s well-being. Episode 151 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 96If 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

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 divine vision that anchors Paul amidst opposition, and marvel at how the Holy Spirit's guidance offers both freedom and precise direction. There's a whisper of comfort that finds its way through the ages— "do not be afraid” — an enduring message, a divine fingerprint, across Scripture, and we delve into its significance, recognizing how these familiar words can shape us.We hope this episode is an invitation to walk alongside Paul in his journey of confidence and conviction, encouraging you to lean into the security that comes from trusting in God's word.Episode 150 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 95If 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

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 the Apostle Paul's transition from Athens to Corinth, delving into the striking contrast between the intellectual debates in Athens and the grounded, everyday reality of tent-making in Corinth with Priscilla and Aquila. Emphasizing the significant shift in Paul's ministry and his interactions with both Jewish and Gentile communities, the episode examines themes of opposition, adaptation, and the spread of Christianity. They also contextualize the discussion with reflections on historical tensions, migrations, and the  human aspects underpinning New Testament narratives, advocating for a nuanced appreciation of community, identity, and faith in the early Christian world.Episode 149 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 94If 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

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 peel back layers of history, strategy, and divine connection to uncover how Paul's tentmaking was more than mere survival—it was a bridge to hearts and a canvas for the Gospel. We examine the shift as Paul turns his attention to the Gentiles, a move that reverberates through the evolution of the early Church and  informs his correspondence with the Corinthian assemblies.Venture into the bustling streets of Corinth with us, as Paul, the strategic missionary, sets anchor for 18 months in this port city—a choice signaling a deeper intent and a broader vision. We scrutinize the impact of Paul's craftsmanship on his preaching, pondering whether his daily grind as a tentmaker may have sown seeds for the Gospel to flourish even beyond Corinth's shores. The arrival of Silas and Timothy with provisions is a turning point, affording Paul the luxury of dedicating more time to his evangelical mission, yet having learned that no work is too mundane for the kingdom of God. Reflecting upon Paul's 'tent making,' we celebrate the sanctity of balancing secular work with ministry, a practice as relevant today as it was in ancient times. Episode 148 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 93If 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

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 the unexpected connections between the Apostle Paul's eloquent Mars Hill sermon and the rich world of Greek poetry. Imagine finding the divine in places you'd never think to look! The episode meanders through this fascinating theological landscape, journeying from the familiar paths of scripture to the unexpected territories where God's presence defies boundaries.We also explore the  layers of Paul's message, as it weaves through the paradox of the incarnation and turns our conventional theological constructs upside down. We are essentially peering into the heart of the New Testament's message about God's radical action against sin and brokenness. Episode 147 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 92If 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

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 peel back the layers of Paul's engagement with Greek thinkers, using their own religious and cultural touchstones to introduce Jesus and the Gospel.As we unravel the nuances of Paul's argument, we ponder his approach in adapting scriptural teachings for a polytheistic audience. We explore his use of the Athenians' altar to the 'unknown God' to pivot to a discussion on how this was the God he wanted to introduce to them. With a touch of scholarly critique and reflection, we also address the human condition of searching for the divine. This discussion opens up a compassionate view of spiritual hunger and the human attempts to grasp the divine, even when shrouded in ignorance. Through Paul's personal revelations, we explore the notion of divine intimacy—how it's not about our efforts to know God, but the transformative power of being known by Him. Episode 146 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 91If 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

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 the insults or comments made about Paul by the Athenians. Ever wondered how a man branded a "babbler" by ancient intellectuals could spark a spiritual revolution?  We consider the opposition that Paul encountered, dissecting the term "babbler" and its implications for his message. The often-misinterpreted Greek word "spermalogos" serves as a window into the challenges of maintaining the essence of faith amidst a sea of competing ideologies, and our exploration reveals just how crucial unaltered messages are to the fabric of belief.We uncover the subtleties embedded in the language used to convey divinity and strangeness. Our discussion touches on Paul’s strategic adaptability, his tailored engagements in synagogues, marketplaces, and on Mars Hill, and the rich insights from early church fathers like John Chrysostom and Basil the Great. They invite  a pause in the hustle to truly encounter God. This episode an invitation to reflect on the divine in an ever-distracting world, challenging us to find God's rightful place in our own lives.Episode 145 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 90If 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

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 Apostle Paul's reaction to his visit to Athens where he boldly confronted idolatry and introduced the early Christian gospel. Athens, with its pantheon of gods and penchant for debate, provided unusual ground for Paul's missionary zeal. We consider his emotional turmoil amid the city's idols, contrasting it with the Athenian culture of "endless" discussion, and spotlight the active, practice-oriented nature of Judeo-Christian teaching.Contrasting Athens with the biblical narrative of creation as a divine temple in which humanity was meant to serve as the image of God, we explore the irony of idolatry, where humanity's aspiration to be godlike usurps the very role designed for them. We ponder Paul's theological convictions, honed by his Jewish heritage and life-changing encounter with Christ, which fueled his reaction to the idol worship he found in Greece. We contrast the pursuit of intellectual acceptance with the radical Christian message of resurrection, a concept met with skepticism by those unguided by the Spirit. As we juxtapose the narratives of Athens and Corinth, join us for this compelling exploration of the meeting of faith and reason in the heart of ancient philosophy.Episode 144 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 89If 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