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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 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
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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 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 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

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 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 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.

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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 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 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

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 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 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

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 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 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

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 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 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

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 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 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