Why was Saul of Tarsus converted—was he primarily the apostle of the Gentiles?
Saul of Tarsus was converted by grace on the road to Damascus primarily as the apostle of the Gentiles. Although he would also go to Jews, God's immediate purpose was to send him far hence to Gentiles, because Israel's fall opened salvation to the Gentile world.
Les explains that God was not finished with Israel after their stumbling. Through Israel's fall, salvation came to the Gentiles under a different format than the Old Testament promise. Instead of using the whole nation as priests, God raised up one Jew, Saul of Tarsus, a renegade zealous for the law, and saved him by grace on the Damascus road. The first thing God let Saul know was that He would send him far hence to the Gentiles. Les notes Saul would also go to the Jew, but he was converted primarily as the apostle of the Gentiles. Paul then argues that Israel did not stumble so as to be removed completely—God forbid.
For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
More Questions
Was Paul the apostle of Israel or the apostle of the Gentiles?
Paul is no longer the Apostle of Israel as the Twelve were, but is instead the Apostle of the Gentiles, as stated explicitly in Romans 11:13.
Who was the apostle to the Gentiles?
Paul was not the apostle to Israel as Peter was, but rather Paul's apostleship was to the Gentiles.
Where does Paul call himself the apostle of the Gentiles?
Paul states in Romans 11:13 that he is the apostle of the Gentiles.