How did Paul treat his role as Apostle of the Gentiles?
Paul magnified his office as Apostle of the Gentiles, refusing to back down from that role. He treated it as his authority, defended it consistently, and pressed on through trials without giving up, believing his three-year experience with the Lord embedded that calling in him.
Les teaches that in Romans 11:13 Paul speaks to Gentiles as the Apostle of the Gentiles and declares, I magnify my office. That means he would not back down for anything in that role; it was his authority, and he constantly defended it, as seen in the Corinthian letters. Les also explains Paul evidently went to Arabia, Mount Sinai, and possibly spent the whole three years there being dealt with by the Lord alone before beginning his ministry. Because that experience was so embedded in him, and despite great trials and tribulations, he kept pressing on, always pressing on; most men would have given up, but he could do nothing less.
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.