Two Texts

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 Theology

Episode 177 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 120

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. 

Thank you so much.

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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 119

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 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 118

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 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 117

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 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 116

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 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 115

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 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 Shepherd, the contrast between good and bad shepherds, and the prophetic tradition of shepherding found in Ezekiel 34. How should the church perceive the pastor as shepherd and the transformative power this holds for Christian communities?

Episode 171 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 114

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 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 the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 113

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 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 that await. We reflect on the significance of the term “behold” in the biblical text, highlighting how it invites silence and attentiveness. This leads to a broader conversation on the practice of beholding in our spiritual lives while drawing connections between Paul’s words here and his letters, we explore the echoes of Philippians, Timothy, and more.

Episode 169 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 112

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 farewell speech to the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20. We explore how Paul’s message emphasizes humility, transparency, and commitment, highlighting his dedication to serving the church and sharing the gospel. Our conversation also touches on the relational aspects of faith, the significance of repentance, and the importance of Paul’s integrity and vulnerability in his ministry, illustrating how he embodies a life fully oriented towards Jesus.

Episode 168 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 111

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