Why was Paul the apostle to the Gentiles?
Paul became the apostle to the Gentiles not because of his education or personal merit, but solely by the grace of God. His apostleship rested on God's unmerited favor, as he said, "By the grace of God I am what I am."
Les explains that Paul did not claim his apostleship because he was so educated, though he had been, nor because of some merit on his part. Instead, it was by the grace of God that he became the apostle of the Gentiles. Les further defines grace as that unmerited favor of God which makes the pouring out of His mercy possible, so Paul's calling was not earned but given.