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?
Episodes
198 episodes
Status dissolves in a Storm | Disruptive Presence 136
In which John and David discuss storms and the sovereignty of God. We explore how status dissolves in a storm, how Paul moves from prisoner to prophetic pilot, and how the divine word comes not to calm the sea, but to save the people. Along the...
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Season 4
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Episode 136
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39:46
Prisoner and Prophet | Disruptive Presence 135
In which John and David reflect on Acts 27, the beginning of Paul’s final journey to Rome, and the theological weight of detail, delay, and direction. We talk about Luke’s careful narrative style, Paul’s Spirit-shaped discernment, and the deepe...
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Season 4
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Episode 135
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36:31
A Gospel Not in Chains | Disruptive Presence 134
In which John and David return to Paul’s exchange with Agrippa, reflecting on what it means for the Word of God to be “unchained.” We explore the irony of who is truly free and who is truly bound, the gospel’s quiet infiltration of power, and h...
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Season 4
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Episode 134
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33:26
Pastor Paul and King Agrippa | Disruptive Presence 133
In which John and David reflect on Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa, and explore how a public trial becomes a personal moment. We trace the narrowing focus of the narrative, Paul’s pastoral heart, and the surprising openness of Agrippa. The...
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Season 4
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Episode 133
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33:18
Jeremiah, Jesus and Paul | Disruptive Presence 132
In which John and David reflect on Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa in Acts 26. As Paul recounts his story, they remember how his obsessive zeal to destroy the church is transformed into a life compelled by love and hope after his encounter...
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Season 4
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Episode 132
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35:06
Trusting God in the Hands of Empire | Disruptive Presence 131
In which John and David explore Paul’s continued trials in Acts 25, reflecting on the relentless opposition he faces and the deep trust in God that sustains him. As Paul appeals to Caesar, they consider how his confidence is not in Roman justic...
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Season 4
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Episode 131
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37:04
Kingdom vs Empire | Disruptive Presence 130
In which John and David explore Paul’s trial before Felix in Acts 24 and the clash between kingdom integrity and imperial corruption. Paul resists flattery, bribes, and compromise, instead holding fast to righteousness, self-control, and the ho...
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Season 4
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Episode 130
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37:27
Providence, Empire, and Paul | Disruptive Presence 129
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 consid...
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Season 4
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Episode 129
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35:51
A Plot Against Paul | Disruptive Presence 128
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...
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Season 4
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Episode 128
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33:37
Jesus Stood Near | Disruptive Presence 127
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...
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Season 4
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Episode 127
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35:21
Resurrection, Rome, and Rhetoric | Disruptive Presence 126
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 high...
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Season 4
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Episode 126
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42:37
A Citizen on Trial | Disruptive Presence 125
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 privile...
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Season 4
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Episode 125
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40:53
Transformational Questions | Disruptive Presence 124
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 conne...
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Season 4
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Episode 124
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36:58
Revelation and Resistance | Disruptive Presence 123
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...
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Season 4
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Episode 123
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40:44
Composure amidst Chaos | Disruptive Presence 122
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...
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Season 4
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Episode 122
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35:53
Mob Chaos and the Gospel | Disruptive Presence 121
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 o...
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Season 4
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Episode 121
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33:06
The Spirit is not a Threat | Disruptive Presence 120
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...
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Season 4
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Episode 120
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43:21
Word and Spirit | Disruptive Presence 119
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 ...
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Season 4
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Episode 119
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35:01
The Cost of Obedience | Disruptive Presence 118
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 ...
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Season 4
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Episode 118
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31:09
Gospel Travelogue | Disruptive Presence 117
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 encount...
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Season 4
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Episode 117
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34:01
Better to give than to get | Disruptive Presence 116
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 ge...
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Season 4
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Episode 116
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42:54
Grace upon Grace | Disruptive Presence 115
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 ...
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Season 4
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Episode 115
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43:52
The Pastor as Shepherd | Disruptive Presence 114
In which John and David explore the theme of Shepherd as leader in the biblical tradition. Paul's message to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 is rooted in this theme from scripture. From there we discuss the significance of Jesus as the Good Shep...
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Season 4
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Episode 114
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39:46
Paul the Pastor | Disruptive Presence 113
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 ...
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Season 4
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Episode 113
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40:49
A Spirit of Beholding | Disruptive Presence 112
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 th...
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Season 4
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Episode 112
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37:59