In which John and David discuss the unexpected connections between the Apostle Paul's eloquent Mars Hill sermon and the rich world of Greek poetry. Imagine finding the divine in places you'd never think to look! The episode meanders through this fascinating theological landscape, journeying from the familiar paths of scripture to the unexpected territories where God's presence defies boundaries.

We also explore the layers of Paul's message, as it weaves through the paradox of the incarnation and turns our conventional theological constructs upside down. We are essentially peering into the heart of the New Testament's message about God's radical action against sin and brokenness.

Episode 147 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 92

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 peel back the layers of Paul's engagement with Greek thinkers, using their own religious and cultural touchstones to introduce Jesus and the Gospel.

As we unravel the nuances of Paul's argument, we ponder his approach in adapting scriptural teachings for a polytheistic audience. We explore his use of the Athenians' altar to the 'unknown God' to pivot to a discussion on how this was the God he wanted to introduce to them.

With a touch of scholarly critique and reflection, we also address the human condition of searching for the divine. This discussion opens up a compassionate view of spiritual hunger and the human attempts to grasp the divine, even when shrouded in ignorance. Through Paul's personal revelations, we explore the notion of divine intimacy—how it's not about our efforts to know God, but the transformative power of being known by Him.

Episode 146 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 91

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.

In which John and David consider the insults or comments made about Paul by the Athenians. Ever wondered how a man branded a "babbler" by ancient intellectuals could spark a spiritual revolution? We consider the opposition that Paul encountered, dissecting the term "babbler" and its implications for his message. The often-misinterpreted Greek word "spermalogos" serves as a window into the challenges of maintaining the essence of faith amidst a sea of competing ideologies, and our exploration reveals just how crucial unaltered messages are to the fabric of belief.

We uncover the subtleties embedded in the language used to convey divinity and strangeness. Our discussion touches on Paul’s strategic adaptability, his tailored engagements in synagogues, marketplaces, and on Mars Hill, and the rich insights from early church fathers like John Chrysostom and Basil the Great. They invite a pause in the hustle to truly encounter God. This episode an invitation to reflect on the divine in an ever-distracting world, challenging us to find God's rightful place in our own lives.

Episode 145 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 90

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.