I. Key Figures and Relational Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;The elder (3 John 1): The self-designation of the author of the letter, traditionally understood to be the apostle John, indicating his advanced age and respected status as a spiritual leader.;xNLx;Gaius (3 John 1): The recipient of the letter, a Christian man praised by John for his faithfulness, his love, and his generous hospitality towards fellow believers and traveling Christian workers.;xNLx;Diotrephes (3 John 9-10): An individual in the church (likely a leader in a local congregation) who is condemned by John for his pride ("loves to be first"), his refusal to acknowledge John's apostolic authority (or those sent by him), his malicious talk against John, and his excommunication of believers who wished to show hospitality to John's messengers. He represents a disruptive and ungodly influence.;xNLx;Demetrius (3 John 12): A Christian man who is commended by John. He has a good testimony from everyone, from the truth itself, and from John, suggesting he is a faithful and trustworthy believer, possibly a carrier of John's letter or a missionary.;xNLx;Brothers / Brethren (e.g., 3 John 3, 5, 10): A common term for fellow Christians, emphasizing their spiritual kinship and familial relationship in Christ. In the context of verses 5-8, it specifically refers to traveling Christian workers or missionaries who were dependent on the hospitality of other believers.;xNLx;Strangers (3 John 5): In this context, not necessarily people completely unknown, but rather Christian brothers who were not from Gaius's local church community and were traveling, likely as missionaries or teachers. Gaius is commended for showing hospitality to them.;xNLx;Friends (3 John 14 [ESV v.15]): A term of endearment for fellow believers, highlighting the close bonds of Christian fellowship.;xNLx;II. Christian Conduct, Support, and Opposition:;xNLx;;xNLx;Walking in the truth / Walk in truth (3 John 3, 4): Living one's life in accordance with the truth of the gospel and God's commandments, in sincerity and faithfulness. John rejoices greatly to hear that Gaius's "children" (likely spiritual children or members of his church) are doing so.;xNLx;Truth (e.g., 3 John 1, 3, 4, 8, 12): The reality of God revealed in Jesus Christ and the body of apostolic teaching. It is something to be known, loved, lived by, and supported.;xNLx;Faithfully / Faithfulness (3 John 3, 5-6): Acting in a trustworthy, loyal, and reliable manner, consistent with one's Christian profession. Gaius acts faithfully in his service to the brothers.;xNLx;Love (3 John 1, 6): Self-giving, active care and affection. John loves Gaius "in the truth," and Gaius's love is attested before the church.;xNLx;Hospitality / Receive the brothers / Send them on their way (in a manner worthy of God) (3 John 5-8): The practice of welcoming, lodging, and providing for the needs of fellow believers, especially traveling missionaries or teachers. This was a crucial means of support for the early Christian mission. John encourages Gaius to continue this practice, as those who do so "become fellow workers for the truth.";xNLx;"Send them on their way in a manner worthy of God" (3 John 6): To provide them with the necessary provisions, support, and perhaps financial assistance for the next stage of their journey, treating them with the honor and care appropriate for servants of God.;xNLx;"For the sake of the Name" (3 John 7): Refers to those who travel and minister for the cause of Jesus Christ (His "Name" representing His person, authority, and mission), without seeking support from pagans (Gentiles/unbelievers).;xNLx;Pagans / Gentiles (3 John 7): Non-Jewish people, or more broadly, unbelievers from whom Christian missionaries did not accept support, relying instead on the generosity of fellow Christians.;xNLx;"Loves to be first" / "Puts himself first" (Greek: philoproteuo) (3 John 9): Describes Diotrephes' primary characteristic: a desire for preeminence, dominance, and personal status within the church, leading him to reject legitimate authority and cause division.;xNLx;"Does not acknowledge our authority" / "Does not receive us" (3 John 9): Diotrephes' rejection of the elder's (John's) apostolic authority and the messengers sent by him.;xNLx;"Talking wicked nonsense against us" (3 John 10): Spreading malicious and unfounded accusations or slander against John and his associates.;xNLx;"Refuses to welcome the brothers" (3 John 10): Diotrephes' inhospitable behavior, denying support to legitimate Christian workers.;xNLx;"Stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church" (3 John 10): Diotrephes' tyrannical actions, excommunicating or expelling from the local church those who showed hospitality to John's messengers or who disagreed with him.;xNLx;Testimony / Bear witness (3 John 3, 6, 12): To provide evidence or speak about the character and conduct of someone. Gaius's faithfulness is testified to by the brothers, and Demetrius has a good testimony from all.;xNLx;III. Other Notable Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Prosper / Be in good health (3 John 2): John's prayer for Gaius's overall well-being, both physically and spiritually, wishing that his outward prosperity and health might match his spiritual vitality.;xNLx;Imitate / Follow (good, not evil) (3 John 11): To model one's behavior after someone or something. John urges Gaius (and by implication, other believers) to imitate what is good (exemplified by those who do good and are "of God") and not what is evil (exemplified by Diotrephes).;xNLx;"Greeting" (3 John 14 [ESV v.15]): A standard expression of goodwill and peace in letters and personal encounters.;xNLx;This list aims to provide clarity on some of the key terms encountered in the very personal and practical Third Letter of John (ESV). Understanding these within their original context helps to illuminate John's commendation of faithful support for Christian ministry, his condemnation of arrogant and divisive leadership, and his emphasis on walking in truth and love.