Was Paul an apostle to Israel or to the Gentiles?
Paul was not the apostle of Israel, as Peter was, but rather his apostleship was to the Gentiles. In Romans 11:13 Paul writes, "I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles." He magnified his ministry to them and would not shrink from that responsibility.
Les explains that Paul had a heart for the nation of Israel, but he was not the apostle of Israel as Peter certainly was. Instead, Paul's apostleship was to the Gentiles. In Romans 11:13 Paul writes, "I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles." Paul magnified his ministry to the Gentiles and would never shrink from that responsibility. Even so, back in Romans chapter 11, Paul defends the nation of Israel, showing they would not be completely annihilated. Israel had rejected their Messiah and suffered loss and dispersion, but God had promised from day one that He would not give up on them, would bring them back to the land, and would yet fulfill all the promises made to their forefathers.
For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: