[1] 1 Elder This is probably John the apostle. "Elder" means an older man or a special leader in the church (as in Titus 5).

[2] 3 believer Where this word is marked, it is literally "brother," a term used by followers of Jesus Christ to refer to fellow members of God's family.

[3] 3 truth The truth or "Good News" about Jesus Christ that joins all believers together. Also in verses 8, 12.

[4] 6 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

© Copyright 2004 World Bible Translation Center.