Yes, Paul is the Apostle to the Gentiles, a unique role that establishes him as the primary authority for Gentile believers.
Paul explicitly declares in Romans 11:13, 'I am the apostle of the Gentiles.' This role signifies that Paul's letters are written to the Church, which is predominantly Gentile, and that his teachings are foundational for Gentile believers. Unlike the twelve apostles who were sent to Israel, Paul was uniquely commissioned by God to reach the Gentiles, and his writings must be distinguished from those directed to Israel.
Romans 11:13 — Paul explicitly states his role as the apostle to the Gentiles.
In Romans 11:13, Paul writes, 'For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office.' This verse makes clear that Paul was specifically appointed as an apostle to the Gentiles. The Bible also shows that the twelve apostles were primarily associated with Israel, as seen in the early chapters of Acts where the gospel was preached to Jews under the Law. Paul's unique commission is emphasized in Romans 1:1 where he is 'separated unto the gospel of God,' and in Acts, he is set apart as the one who would carry the gospel to the Gentile world.
Les Feldick emphasizes that Paul's apostleship is unique and superior for Gentile believers. He points out that while the twelve were apostles to the Jews, Paul was specifically chosen by God to be the apostle of the Gentiles (Romans 11:13). Les stresses that Paul's letters are the only ones written directly to the Church, and thus they are the primary source for Gentile doctrine. He also highlights that Paul had to defend his apostleship because it was not from the original twelve, but from Christ directly. Les teaches that understanding the distinction between Peter's ministry to Israel and Paul's ministry to Gentiles is crucial for correct interpretation of Scripture.
Les Feldick explains that the twelve apostles were sent to Israel, as seen in the early chapters of Acts where Jewish believers continued under the Law. In contrast, Paul was called specifically for the Gentiles (Clip 1). Paul's writings are the only ones addressed to the Church, making his letters the foundation for Gentile believers (Clip 1).
Les teaches that until we separate the ministries of Peter and Paul, we will be confused in our understanding of the Bible (Clip 7). He also notes that Paul was like a 'raging bull' against Christianity before his conversion, but God saved him to be the apostle to the Gentiles (Clip 4). Paul never took a back seat to anyone concerning his apostleship, defending it constantly (Clip 4).
Les Feldick points out that Paul's letters alone are written to the Church (Clip 1). As a result, Gentile believers must look to Paul for their basic doctrines (Clip 6). Paul is not just one of many apostles to the Gentiles, but he is THE Apostle to the Gentiles (Clip 6).
Why Christ Died for All — 2 Corinthians 5:14-16 Explained
I've said it, do not understand that Jesus' whole ministry for three years was under the Law. He never told anybody to stop temple worship. He never told a Jew, now you no longer have to give sacrifices. They were still under the Law. And even as you go past His death, burial and resurrection, and we come into the early chapters of Acts, and we discovered that in our last all day seminar, how that…
Paul as the Unique Apostle of the Gentiles
Paul is the only apostle of the Gentiles, and his letters alone are written to the Church.
The Twelve vs. Paul
The twelve were apostles to the Jews, but Paul is the apostle of the Gentiles.
Paul's Explicit Declaration
Romans 11:13 is a key verse where Paul declares his role as the apostle of the Gentiles.
Paul's Defense of His Apostleship
Paul always defended his apostleship because it was unique and not from the twelve.
Why Has Israel Suffered So Much? The Bible's Answer
Now we pick this up in Romans chapter 11 from Paul's viewpoint, and remember now Paul has a heart for the nation of Israel, but he is as you see here in verse 13 of Romans 11, he is not the apostle of Israel as Peter certainly was, but rather his apostleship is to whom? Gentiles. Now look at that verse 13. Romans 11. For Paul writes, "...
Paul as THE Apostle
Paul is not one of many, but the supreme apostle to the Gentiles for doctrine.
The Need to Distinguish Peter and Paul
Acts gives 17 chapters to Paul, indicating his importance, and we must separate his ministry from Peter's.
Romans 11:13: For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
This verse is the central declaration of Paul's unique role to the Gentiles.
Romans 1:1: Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
This shows Paul's divine call as an apostle, set apart for the gospel.
Yes, according to Les Feldick, Paul is the only apostle specifically called to the Gentiles. He bases this on Romans 11:13 where Paul declares himself as the apostle of the Gentiles. While others like Barnabas and Silas were recognized as apostles, Paul alone wrote the letters to the Church.
Les Feldick teaches that understanding Paul's unique role is essential to avoid confusion in biblical interpretation. The ministries of Peter and Paul are distinct, and blending them leads to error. Paul's letters are the foundation for Gentile believers.
Watch the Teaching: Why Christ Died for All — 2 Corinthians 5:14-16 Explained