16:1 Phoebe. Probably the bearer of Paul’s letter. The name is common in Greek mythology and indicates a Gentile background.

a servant. Paul’s word (Greek diakonos) is variously translated as “servant” (1 Tim. 4:6), or “deacon” (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8). It is uncertain whether Paul uses the term to refer to the specific church office of deacon, or describes Phoebe as a servant of the church in a more general sense.

Cenchreae. The port of Corinth on the Saronic Gulf, indicating Paul’s location when Romans was sent.