

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

Jul 9, 2024 • 39min
Unexpected Disciples | Disruptive Presence 101
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 disciples Paul encounters in Ephesus, highlighting the centrality of the Holy Spirit in the early church. In Ephesus we see how Spiritual Formation was handled immediately with a sense of urgency, keeping the Holy Spirit primary and asking good questions to guide the journey. Again, we note that the Spirit stretched across diversity, underscoring the welcoming nature of the early church.Episode 156 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 101If 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

Jun 27, 2024 • 34min
Teach Well and Trust the Spirit | Disruptive Presence 100
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)As we reach 100 episodes of our Acts series (which we planned as a short series for the summer of 2022!) our latest show delves into the intricate details of Paul’s missionary journey and the role of Apollos in Acts 18:18-28. We explore the themes of how the early church took the Spirit and theological accuracy seriously. It is worth paying attention to how the Acts church didn't see the tension often felt today between fervour and knowledge in spreading the Gospel.Episode 155 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 100If 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

Jun 25, 2024 • 39min
Relational Integrity and the Holy Spirit | Disruptive Presence 99
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 trust in divine guidance throughout his ministry and travel. Even during a brief stay in Ephesus we see that Paul prefers a missionary "strategy" that combines relational integrity with a commitment to the work of the Holy Spirit rather than a strong "authority and accountability" model. In Paul we see a model of how to trust others and leave space for the leading of the Holy Spirit, even if it means stepping back from authority ourselves?Episode 154 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 99If 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

Jun 20, 2024 • 32min
Priscilla and Aquila: Fellow Gospel Workers | Disruptive Presence 98
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

Jun 11, 2024 • 43min
Vows, Commitments, and Grace | Disruptive Presence 97
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

May 29, 2024 • 38min
Religion and State in Corinth | Disruptive Presence 96
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

May 28, 2024 • 40min
Comfortable Words in Corinth | Disruptive Presence 95
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

May 16, 2024 • 35min
Paul's Pivot in Corinth | Disruptive Presence 94
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

May 14, 2024 • 36min
Sacred versus Secular in Corinth | Disruptive Presence 93
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

May 2, 2024 • 39min
Paul, Poetry, and the Incarnation | Disruptive Presence 92
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


