a servant: The Greek word diakonos means “servant.” It can refer in a general way to a believer who serves Christ. It can also refer more specifically to someone who holds the recognized role of deacon in a local church (see Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8–12; compare Acts 6:1–6).
Cenchrea was about eight kilometers (five miles) from Corinth and served as its port. Paul may have written this letter to the Romans while staying in Corinth during the winter, near the end of his third missionary journey (see Acts 20:2–3).