Two Texts

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 hope of resurrection. Felix, intrigued and afraid, repeatedly summons Paul—over two years, Paul’s refusal to play by the empire’s rules becomes a quiet but powerful witness. John and David also explore echoes of John the Baptist’s confrontation with Herod, showing how God’s kingdom consistently exposes the brokenness of worldly power.

Episode 187 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 130

If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] 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
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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. 

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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 129

If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] 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.

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)

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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 128

If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] 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.

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)

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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 127

If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] 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.

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)

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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 126

If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] 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.

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)

Support the show

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 125

If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] 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.

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)

Support the show

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 124

If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] 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.

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)

Support the show

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 123

If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] 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.

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)

Support the show

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 122

If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] 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.

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)

Support the show

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 121

If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] 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.

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)

Support the show