What did Paul tell the Gentiles in Romans 11 about being their apostle?
Paul told the Gentiles in Romans 11 that he was the apostle of the Gentiles, speaking directly to them. He did not share that apostleship with anyone else; when it came to going to the Gentiles, he alone was the apostle, not one of the twelve, who went to Israel. He magnified his office.
Les explains that throughout Paul's epistles he had to constantly defend his apostleship, and if Paul were alive today he would still have to do it, because many, even among conservative Christianity, will not give Paul the time of day. Turning to Romans 11, Paul writes to the Gentile congregation at Rome: 'For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles.' Les points out that Paul does not share his apostleship with anyone else. When it came to going to the Gentiles, Paul was the apostle. He was not one of the twelve, because they went to Israel. Paul says he magnifies his office, meaning he makes the most of it, and he repeatedly guarantees that what he says came from the Ascended Lord.
For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
More Questions
Why does it matter whether Romans 11:13 says Paul is 'the' apostle of the Gentiles or merely 'an' apostle?
Paul calls himself 'the apostle of the Gentiles' — a singular, unique office — so newer translations that change 'the' to 'an' are a complete violation of the text that changes Paul's whole position.
Where does Paul call himself the apostle of the Gentiles?
Paul states in Romans 11:13 that he is the apostle of the Gentiles.