Letter to a Young Christian

From the Holy Bible, Hoehn Version

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

Paul the Apostle 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.

In chapter 1, verses 1 and 2, Paul 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.

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.

___James chapter 1

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes that are dispersed around, greetings.

2 My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into various temptations,

3 Knowing this, that the testing of your faith works patience.

4 But let patience have its perfect work, so you'll be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God for it, who gives to all men liberally, and won't find fault, and it shall be given to him.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and tossed.

7 For let that man not think that he'll receive anything from the Lord.

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted,

10 But the rich, in that he is made low, because as the flower of the grass he'll pass away.

11 For the sun has no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withers the grass, and the flower of it falls, and the grace of the fashion of it perishes, so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

12 Blessed is the man that endures temptation, for after he's been tested, he'll receive the crown of life, that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God can't be tempted with evil, nor does he tempt any man,

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed.

15 Then when lust has conceived, it produces sin, and sin when it's finished, produces death.

16 Do not err, my beloved brothers.

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, nor shadow of turning.

18 He chose to father us with the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

19 So, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger,

20 For the anger of man doesn't accomplish the righteousness of God.

21 So, lay apart all filthiness and the unnecessary naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man seeing his natural face in a mirror,

24 For he sees himself, and goes his way, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.

25 But whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues in it, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

26 If any man among you seems to be religious, and doesn't bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is for nothing.

27 Pure religion and undefiled before God the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

___James chapter 2

1 My brothers, don't have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

2 For if a man with a gold ring comes to your assembly in fancy clothes, and a poor man in dirty clothes comes in also,

3 And you have respect to him that wears the fancy clothes, and say to him, "Sit here in a good place," and say to the poor, "Stand there, or sit here under my footstool,"

4 Aren't you then partial in yourselves, and have become judges with evil thoughts?

5 Listen, my beloved brothers, hasn't God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him?

6 But you have despised the poor. Don't rich men oppress you, and bring you before the judgment seats?

7 Don't they blaspheme that worthy name by which you're called?

8 If you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, "You shall love your neighbor like yourself," you do well,

9 But if you have respect of persons, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as sinners.

10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

11 For he that said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not kill." Now if you don't commit adultery, yet if you kill, you've become a breaker of the law.

12 Speak in such a way, and do, as those who'll be judged by the law of liberty.

13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that has shown no mercy, and mercy rejoices against judgment.

14 What does it profit, my brothers, though a man says he has faith, and doesn't have works? Can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister needs clothes, and lacks daily food,

16 And one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you don't give them the things that are needed for the body, what good is that?

17 Even so faith, if it doesn't have works, is dead, being alone.

18 Yes, a man could say, "You have faith, and I have works, show me your faith without your works, and I'll show you my faith by my works."

19 You believe that there is one God, you do well, the devils also believe, and tremble.

20 But don't you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

21 Wasn't Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son on the altar?

22 Do you see how faith worked with his deeds, and by works faith was made perfect?

23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness, and he was called the friend of God."

24 You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise also wasn't Rahab the prostitute justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

26 For like the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

___James chapter 3

1 My brothers, don't be many masters, knowing that we'll receive the greater condemnation.

2 For in many things we offend all. If any man doesn't offend in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

3 See, we put bits in the horses' mouths, so they'll obey us, and we turn around their whole bodies.

4 Look also at the ships, which though they're so large, and are driven by fierce winds, yet they're turned around by a very small helm, wherever the captain wants.

5 Even so, the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. See how great a matter a little fire kindles!

6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of sin, so is the tongue among our members that it makes dirty the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire by hell.

7 For every kind of animals, and of birds, and of snakes, and of things in the sea, gets tamed, and has been tamed by mankind,

8 But no man can tame the tongue, it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

9 With it we bless God, the Father, and with it we curse men, who are made after the likeness of God.

10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be.

11 Does a fountain send out at the same place sweet water and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree, my brothers, produce olive berries? Or a vine, figs? So no fountain can yield both salt water and fresh.

13 Who is a wise man, possessing knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good lifestyle his works with meekness of wisdom.

14 But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, don't glory, and don't lie against the truth.

15 This wisdom doesn't descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be reasoned with, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

18 And the fruit of righteousness is planted in peace by those who make peace.

___James chapter 4

1 Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don't they come from your lusts that war in your members?

2 You lust, and don't have, you kill, and desire to have, and can't obtain, you fight and war, yet you don't have, because you don't ask.

3 You ask, and don't receive, because you ask wrongly, so you can consume it on your lusts.

4 You adulterers and adulteresses, don't you know that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world is an enemy of God.

5 Do you think that the scripture says for nothing, "The spirit that lives in us lusts to envy?"

6 But he gives more grace. So he says, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he'll run away from you.

8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded.

9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and cry, let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he'll lift you up.

11 Don't speak evil about each other, brothers. He that speaks evil about his brother, and judges his brother, speaks evil about the law, and judges the law, but if you judge the law, you're not a doer of the law, but a judge.

12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy, who are you that judges someone else?

13 Go on now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we'll go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and make a profit,"

14 Actually, you don't know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is a puff of steam, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.

15 For you ought to say, "Lord willing, we'll live, and do this, or that."

16 But now you rejoice in your boastings, all such rejoicing is evil.

17 Therefore to him that knows to do good, and doesn't do it, to him it is sin.

___James chapter 5

1 Go on now, you rich men, cry and howl for your miseries that shall come on you.

2 Your riches are corrupted, and your clothes are moth eaten.

3 Your gold and silver are rusted, and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh like fire. You've heaped treasure together for the last days.

4 See, the wages of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which you've kept back by fraud, shouts, and the shouts of those who've reaped have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabbath.

5 You've lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton, you've nourished your hearts, like in a day of slaughter.

6 You've condemned and killed the just, and he doesn't resist you.

7 Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receives the early and latter rain.

8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is getting near.

9 Don't grudge against each other, brothers, so you won't be condemned, see, the judge stands at the door.

10 Take, my brothers, the prophets, who've spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

11 See, we count them happy that endure. You've heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

12 But above all things, my brothers, don't swear, not by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath, but let your yes be yes, and your no, no, so that you don't fall into condemnation.

13 Is anyone among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is anyone merry? Let him sing psalms.

14 Is anyone sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord,

15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he has committed sins, he'll be forgiven.

16 Confess your faults to each other, and pray for each other so you'll be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man is does a lot of good.

17 Elijah was a man subject to the same kind of passions that we are, and he prayed earnestly that it wouldn't rain, and it didn't rain on the earth for three years and six months.

18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

19 Brothers, if any of you strays from the truth, and someone converts him,

20 Let him know, that he that converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.