Letter to a Young Christian From the Holy Bible, Hoehn Version by Frederick Hoehn, copyright 2014, all rights reserved. Chapter 1 First, we'll present Paul's First Letter to Timothy here, and afterward, I'll have some words. From the Holy Bible, Hoehn Version-- ___1 Timothy chapter 1 1 Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, who is our hope, 2 To Timothy, my own son in the faith, Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 As I asked you to stay at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, so that you would instruct some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 And not pay attention to fables and endless genealogies that raise questions rather than godly edifying which is in faith, do that. 5 Now the end of the commandment is love out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unpretended, 6 From which some having swerved, have turned aside to vain babbling, 7 Desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say, nor about what they affirm. 8 But we know that the law is good, if a man uses it lawfully, 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For customers of prostitutes, for those who defile themselves with mankind, for kidnappers, for liars, for false witnesses, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, that was committed to my trust. 12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, because he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 Who was previously a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious, but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was quite abundant with faith and love that is in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 But for this reason I obtained mercy, so that in me first, Jesus Christ would demonstrate all patience, for a pattern to those who would afterward believe on him for life everlasting. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory, forever and always. Amen. 18 I commit this charge to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies that went before on you, so that by them you'll fight a good warfare, 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience, which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck, 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, so they'll learn not to blaspheme. ___1 Timothy chapter 2 1 I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men, 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority, so that we can lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 Who wants all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified about in due time. 7 To whom I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and don't lie,) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8 Therefore, I want men to pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without anger and doubting. 9 Likewise also, that women adorn themselves in modest clothes, with modesty and staying sober, not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array, 10 But (which is right for women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I don't allow a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15 But anyway, she shall be saved when she bears children, if they continue in faith and love and holiness with soberness. ___1 Timothy chapter 3 1 This is a true saying, If a man desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach, 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy bribes, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous, 4 Someone who rules his own house well, having his children in subjection with all gravity, 5 (For if a man doesn't know how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, so he won't be lifted up with pride and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Also, he must have a good report from those who are outside, so he won't fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Likewise, the deacons must be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy bribes, 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proven, then let them use the office of a deacon, if they're found blameless. 11 Even so, their wives must be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who've used the office of a deacon well, purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 14 These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly, 15 But if I don't come soon, so that you'll know how you ought to behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness, God was presented in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. ___1 Timothy chapter 4 1 Now the Spirit speaks specifically that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils, 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to not eat meats, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it's received with thanksgiving, 5 For it's made holy by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you remind the brothers of these things, you'll be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, to which you've attained. 7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself rather to godliness. 8 For bodily exercise is of little profit, but godliness is profitable to all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For therefore we labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11 Command these things and teach them. 12 Let no man despise your youth, but be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Don't neglect the gift that is in you, that was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders. 15 Meditate on these things, give yourself completely to them, so that your profiting will appear to all. 16 Take heed to yourself, and to the doctrine, continue in it, for in doing this you'll save yourself and those who hear you. ___1 Timothy chapter 5 1 Don't scold an elder, but reason with him like a father, and the younger men like brothers, 2 The elder women like mothers, the younger like sisters, with all purity. 3 Honor widows that are widows indeed. 4 But if any widow has children or nephews, let them learn first to show godliness at home, and to requite their parents, for that is good and acceptable before God. 5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. 7 And these things give in charge, so that they'll be blameless. 8 But if any man doesn't provide for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Don't let a widow be added to the membership list who's less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 Well reported about for good works, if she has raised children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. 11 But the younger widows refuse, for when they've begun to grow wanton against Christ, they'll marry, 12 Having damnation, because they have thrown off their first faith. 13 And with that, they learn to be idle, wandering around from house to house, and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things that they ought not. 14 Therefore, I want the younger women to marry, have children, guide the house, give no occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some have already turned aside to follow Satan. 16 If any man or woman that believes has widows, let them relieve them, so the church won't have to do it, so that it can relieve those who are widows indeed. 17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn." And, "The laborer is worthy of his reward." 19 Don't receive an accusation against an elder except before two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin scold before all, so others also will fear. 21 I charge you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that you observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by favoritism. 22 Don't lay hands suddenly on any man, nor be partaker of other men's sins, keep yourself pure. 23 Drink no longer just water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities. 24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment, and some men they follow afterward. 25 Likewise also the good works of some are clear beforehand, and those who are otherwise can't be hidden. ___1 Timothy chapter 6 1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and his doctrine isn't blasphemed. 2 And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brothers, but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 3 If any man teaches otherwise, and doesn't agree with wholesome words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine that is according to godliness, 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strife of words, from which come envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputes by men of corrupt minds, who don't have the truth, supposing that gain is godliness, from such withdraw yourself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing let's be content with that. 9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and a trap, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and hell. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil, which while some coveted for, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee those things, and follow righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, take hold on eternal life, to which you're also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses. 13 I give you commandment in the sight of God, who makes all things alive, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession, 14 That you keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Who in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, 16 Who only has immortality, living in the light that no man can approach, whom no man has seen, nor can see, to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. 17 Charge those who are rich in this world not to be high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy, 18 So that they do good, so that they are rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate, 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they'll take hold on eternal life. 20 O Timothy, keep that which has been committed to your trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science, falsely so called, 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen. Chapter 2 In chapter 1, verses 1 and 2, Paul the Apostle writes to his son in the faith, Timothy, with grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. Verse 4--Don't pay attention to fables and endless genealogies. Verse 5--The purpose of the commandments is to produce love from a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of unpretended faith. Verse 9--The Law was not made for the righteous, but for the various kinds of unrighteous people. Verse 11--God's gospel is glorious. Verse 15--Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Verse 17--Words of praise for God: Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory, forever and always. Amen. Verse 19--If you put away faith, you're as good as shipwrecked. Chapter 2, verses 1 & 2--We should pray for kings and for all that are in authority, so that we can lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Verse 4--God would prefer that all men get saved. The mediator between God and men is Christ Jesus, who was sacrificed for us. Paul is ordained a preacher and an Apostle. We should pray, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting. If you're a Christian, you're made righteous and holy by the blood of Jesus. Paul doesn't allow a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over men. (Paul knew that the younger generation of Christians would be taking over after Paul's promotion to heaven. He imparts to young Timothy guidance and instructions.) Chapter 3-- If a man wants to be a bishop (an overseer), that's good, but he should meet certain qualifications listed in verses 2 through 7. And then, there are qualifications for Deacons. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness, God was presented in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. Chapter 4-- Now the Spirit speaks specifically that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. We are now in those latter times, and some of the Christians have quit being Christians. Do they really think that hell won't be such a bad place to go to? They're wrong. The meat from any animal is O.K. to eat, if it's received with thanksgiving, for it's made holy by the word of God and prayer. Pay attention to, to exhortation, to doctrine. Chapter 5-- Don't scold an elder, but reason with him like a father, and the younger men like brothers. People who are living for pleasure are dead while they live. A man is supposed to provide for his own family. If they don't, they're not proper Christians. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. Don't use partiality or favoritism. A little wine is good for your stomach. Chapter 6-- Show honor to your employer if he's a Christian. Godliness with contentment is very much profitable. If you're trying to get rich, that's a trap that can lead you to hell. For the love of money is the root of all evil, which while some coveted for, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Follow righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, take hold on eternal life, to which you're also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses. Jesus is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, O Timothy, keep that which has been committed to your trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science, falsely so called, which some professing have erred concerning the faith. It would have been great to directly communicate with the Apostle Paul, and be taught by him. But we'll see him in heaven. The Lord bless you.