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Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles, specifically chosen for the job, by Jesus himself. Saul, soon to be Paul, was chosen because of his exuberance in carrying out what he thought was the will of God as he went around arresting early Christians and dragging them in to the Jewish authorities. Another reason he was chosen was that, unlike the other Apostles, Paul was completely schooled in the Law, being a Pharisee and possibly a rabbinical acolyte. He had the equivalent of a college degree in the Judaic religion of the time. Only Paul was capable of refuting, by direct, logical, reasoned discourse, the arguments of the rabbis and religious authorities of the era. Paul was commissioned to bring the Good News of the coming Kingdom of God to the Gentiles, as the bearers of the gospel were being persecuted in the Jewish communities around Judea, Syria and Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). His first witnesses were to synagogues and the expatriate Jews who resided in those communities, and as a result, he and his fellow messengers were beaten, stoned, arrested and imprisoned.

The last chapter of Acts, closing verses:

23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,

26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:

27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,

31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

God knew the Jews would reject the Messiah, foretold by Isaiah, centuries before. But to them first salvation was offered, thus fulfilling a promise. Then it was proclaimed to the Gentile nations, whom God knew would accept the message and relay it around the world. .....