Was Paul the apostle of the Gentiles instead of the apostle of Israel like the Twelve?
Yes. Scripture explicitly declares Paul the Apostle of the Gentiles, not Israel's apostle as the Twelve were. Romans 11:13 records his words: "I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the Apostle of the Gentiles." He magnifies that office, and his epistles carry priority for Grace Age Gentile believers.
Les teaches that this Apostle is no longer as the Twelve were, the Apostle of Israel, but Romans 11:13 is explicit: Paul says, "I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the Apostle of the Gentiles." He also says he magnifies his office. Les then points to Ephesians 3 to show why he spends so much time in Paul's epistles: this is where Gentiles have to spend their greatest amount of time, though that does not cancel the rest of Scripture. He rejects the accusation that he tells people to throw away the four Gospels. Rather, he says never take away any portion of Scripture, but set priorities. For the Grace Age Gentile believer, and the Jew who has come into Christianity as a born-again person, the Pauline epistles are where the very meat of faith and practice is found.
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.