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, ...
…
continue reading
An adaptation by Alan Plater of George Mackay Brown’s novel. An audio play performed by Orkney’s St Magnus Players. Directed by Penny Aberdein with music by John Gray. Four episodes. Episode 1 release: 10 January 2025, then weekly. Greenvoe centres on the fate of a traditional Orkney village on the mythical island of Hellya. The natural rhythms of Orkney life are shattered when a mysterious external company, Black Star, suddenly arrives to buy out the islanders and displace them from their h ...
…
continue reading
Australian rugby once had $40 million in the bank. Crowds over 100,000. TV audiences of 3 million. Today the Wallabies have sunk to their lowest world ranking ever. Off the field rugby is a "war zone" with a $20 million deficit last year alone. The Breakdown is a gripping podcast investigation from The Australian, exploring just how far "the game they play in heaven" has fallen - and why. Jessica Halloran and Claire Harvey have interviewed everyone from ex-PMs and billionaires to Wallabies l ...
…
continue reading

1
Leaving with more than you landed with | Disruptive Presence 140
32:18
32:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:18Drop 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 reflect on Acts 28, exploring the unfolding kindness and hospitality shown to Paul in Malta—from surviving a viper bite to healing Publius’ father. We consider how Luke subtly echoes Jesus’ ministry, th…
…
continue reading

1
Shipwrecked Amongst Strangers (and Snakes) | Disruptive Presence 139
32:11
32:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:11Drop 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 surprising gentleness of Acts 28, where shipwrecked strangers find warmth and kindness in Malta. We reflect on how the gospel arrives not in triumph but through weakness, and how the Holy Sp…
…
continue reading

1
Do Everything Eucharistically | Disruptive Presence 138
33:12
33:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:12Drop 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 reflect on Paul’s breaking of bread in Acts 27 and ask whether this is more than just a meal. We explore how this moment echoes Emmaus, the Last Supper, and even Colossians 3, pointing to a way of livin…
…
continue reading

1
Courage and (The) Spirit | Disruptive Presence 137
38:09
38:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:09Drop 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 Paul’s stormy journey in Acts 27, reflecting on prophetic courage, disoriented sailors, and the surprising influence of a prisoner turned leader. We discuss the tension between divine promise an…
…
continue reading

1
Status dissolves in a Storm | Disruptive Presence 136
39:46
39:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:46Drop 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 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…
…
continue reading

1
Prisoner and Prophet | Disruptive Presence 135
36:31
36:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:31Drop 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 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 discernm…
…
continue reading

1
A Gospel Not in Chains | Disruptive Presence 134
33:26
33:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:26Drop 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 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 infiltrati…
…
continue reading

1
Pastor Paul and King Agrippa | Disruptive Presence 133
33:18
33:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:18Drop 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 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 openne…
…
continue reading

1
Jeremiah, Jesus and Paul | Disruptive Presence 132
35:06
35:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:06Drop 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 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 a…
…
continue reading

1
Trusting God in the Hands of Empire | Disruptive Presence 131
37:04
37:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:04Drop 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 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 n…
…
continue reading

1
Kingdom vs Empire | Disruptive Presence 130
37:27
37:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:27Drop 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 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-c…
…
continue reading

1
Providence, Empire, and Paul | Disruptive Presence 129
35:51
35:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:51Drop 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 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. Tog…
…
continue reading

1
A Plot Against Paul | Disruptive Presence 128
33:37
33:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:37Drop 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 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 opposi…
…
continue reading

1
Jesus Stood Near | Disruptive Presence 127
35:21
35:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:21Drop 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 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…
…
continue reading

1
Resurrection, Rome, and Rhetoric | Disruptive Presence 126
42:37
42:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:37Drop 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 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…
…
continue reading

1
A Citizen on Trial | Disruptive Presence 125
40:53
40:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:53Drop 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 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 citize…
…
continue reading
Black Star sets to work! The horsemen return.By St Magnus Players
…
continue reading
On the fifth day – Old Ben moves on as village life continues. Ivan takes Inga on a boat trip. Darkness descends on the stable at the farm.By St Magnus Players
…
continue reading

1
Transformational Questions | Disruptive Presence 124
36:58
36:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:58Drop 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 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 script…
…
continue reading

1
Revelation and Resistance | Disruptive Presence 123
40:44
40:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:44Drop 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 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 revelatio…
…
continue reading
On the third day – a pedlar comes to the village. The horsemen blindfold Hector. On the fourth day – the children make a discovery! The women reminisce. The horsemen complete their business.By St Magnus Players
…
continue reading

1
Composure amidst Chaos | Disruptive Presence 122
35:53
35:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:53Drop 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 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: stayi…
…
continue reading

1
Mob Chaos and the Gospel | Disruptive Presence 121
33:06
33:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:06Drop 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 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 decision…
…
continue reading
On the first day – the village of Greenvoe awakes. The horsemen meet at the stable at the Bu farm. On the second day – business in the shop, the school and the Manse continues as Skarf recounts the history. A stranger with a briefcase arrives at the Hotel. The horsemen meet again.By St Magnus Players
…
continue reading

1
The Spirit is not a Threat | Disruptive Presence 120
43:21
43:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:21Drop 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 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. …
…
continue reading

1
Word and Spirit | Disruptive Presence 119
35:01
35:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:01Drop 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 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 o…
…
continue reading

1
The Cost of Obedience | Disruptive Presence 118
31:09
31:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:09Drop 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 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 disc…
…
continue reading

1
Gospel Travelogue | Disruptive Presence 117
34:01
34:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:01Drop 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 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 commun…
…
continue reading

1
Better to give than to get | Disruptive Presence 116
42:54
42:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:54Drop 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 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,…
…
continue reading

1
Grace upon Grace | Disruptive Presence 115
43:52
43:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:52Drop 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 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 theolog…
…
continue reading

1
The Pastor as Shepherd | Disruptive Presence 114
39:46
39:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:46Drop 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 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 Jesu…
…
continue reading

1
Paul the Pastor | Disruptive Presence 113
40:49
40:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:49Drop 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 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…
…
continue reading

1
A Spirit of Beholding | Disruptive Presence 112
37:59
37:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:59Drop 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 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, desp…
…
continue reading

1
Paul Says Goodbye | Disruptive Presence 111
42:43
42:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:43Drop 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 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…
…
continue reading

1
A Boy Called Fortunate | Disruptive Presence 110
34:58
34:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:58Drop 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 story of Eutychus in Acts 20, discussing the early church's gathering practices, the significance of discomfort in spiritual growth, and the "naturalness" of miracles within the community. T…
…
continue reading

1
First Day Gatherings | Disruptive Presence 109
36:33
36:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:33Drop 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 Acts 20:7. A short verse that tells us much about the early church's practices, the connection to the resurrection, and the intentionality behind worship structures. How does a church gathering…
…
continue reading

1
Communities of Faith not Fear | Disruptive Presence 108
34:50
34:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:50Drop 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 themes of the early church's behaviour, the dynamics of fear and faith, and the importance of community in the Christian journey. They discuss how the actions of the early disciples empowere…
…
continue reading

1
Avoiding Unnecessary Conflict | Disruptive Presence 107
36:30
36:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:30Drop 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 Acts 19, the dynamics of mob mentality, the role of a city clerk in calming a chaotic assembly, and the implications of Paul's absence during a critical moment. They discuss the early church's a…
…
continue reading

1
Worshipping in Truth not Manipulation | Disruptive Presence 106
39:17
39:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:17Drop 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 impact of the kingdom of God on the economic world of Ephesus and the dangers of self-service, idolatry, and money. The conversation explores the motivations behind Demetrius' opposition to …
…
continue reading

1
The Subtlety of Idols | Disruptive Presence 105
38:14
38:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:14Drop 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 the riot in Ephesus at Acts 19. They explore the themes of idolatry, the pursuit of wealth, and the impact on people and society. They highlight the connection between idolatry and the abuse of …
…
continue reading

1
More Emmaus: The Walk that Changed Everything (Part 2)
23:53
23:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:53Drop 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) David and John spend a second bonus episode discussing John's new book, 'Emmaus, The Walk That Changed Everything,' which is about the Emmaus Road story in the Gospel of Luke. We're excited that John's new book is out, so as w…
…
continue reading

1
Emmaus: The Walk that Changed Everything (Part 1)
21:29
21:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:29Drop 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) David and John discusses John's new book, 'Emmaus, The Walk That Changed Everything,' which focuses on the story of the Emmaus Road Narrative in the Gospel of Luke. We're excited that John's new book is out, so as we head into…
…
continue reading

1
Ego, Effort, and Mistakes | Disruptive Presence 104
41:58
41:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:58Drop 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 encounter between the demonized man and the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19. They explore the significance of knowing Jesus and the dangers of engaging with the supernatural world based on eg…
…
continue reading

1
Both Word and Spirit | Disruptive Presence 103
38:59
38:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:59Drop 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 the importance of the supernatural and the power of the Holy Spirit in the early church. They reflect on the extraordinary miracles performed by Paul and the significance of the embodied nature …
…
continue reading

1
Questions and Miracles | Disruptive Presence 102
42:36
42:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:36Drop 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 Acts 19 and the significance of the Holy Spirit's work in the early church. They highlight the importance of asking the right questions and the power of boldness in proclaiming the gospel. They …
…
continue reading

1
Unexpected Disciples | Disruptive Presence 101
39:24
39:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:24Drop 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 …
…
continue reading

1
Teach Well and Trust the Spirit | Disruptive Presence 100
34:03
34:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:03Drop 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. …
…
continue reading

1
Relational Integrity and the Holy Spirit | Disruptive Presence 99
38:30
38:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:30Drop 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…
…
continue reading

1
Priscilla and Aquila: Fellow Gospel Workers | Disruptive Presence 98
31:39
31:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:39Drop 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 …
…
continue reading

1
Vows, Commitments, and Grace | Disruptive Presence 97
43:22
43:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:22Drop 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 …
…
continue reading