The words I did not see is “the” and “apostle”. I saw “a minister” in Acts 26:16. So I checked a couple of other translations:
King James “a minister and a witness”
New King James “a minister and a witness”
NLT “a minister and a witness”
NIV “a servant and a witness”
ESV “a servant and a witness”
NASB “a minister and a witness”
ASV “a minister and a witness”
YLT “an officer and a witness” (Note an, not a)
HNV “a servant and a witness”
WEB “a minister and a witness”
The reason I post is the word “The” has special meaning in Hebrew, it means “specific” or “Unique” so your choice of words not from the Scriptures “The Apostle” adds new meanings that are not in place in the origonal translations due to the english. I am sure that is not your intention.
That would indicate, as the scriptures do not, that Paul is somehow unique in his Ministry to the Gentiles in the Christian Church. The entire purpose and call or Commision to all Christians is to minister and be a witness of Christ.
This story is highlighted here because the idea of the Gentiles being taught the things of God were an anthema to the Hebrew Church. To them, the Messiah came FOR THEM, not the Gentiles. Yet Paul clearly indicates that God said Christ came not only for the Jews but ALSO for the Gentiles. This was RADICAL in those days, a whole new avenue of thought.
The unfortunate choice of “The Apostle” in english wording, (translating it back into Hebrew speach patterns), has a two pronged english problem. As Apostle is singular in english, whereas in Hebrew the word itself would indicate singular or plural. In Hebrew it would indicate by the prefix Ha if it was specific, AND by the letter ending singular or plural. Greek is also somewhat that way by my understanding, but english is not. Ie. Paul was one of the Apostles, not The Apostle. In that choice of words, you turn 12 Apostles into 1 Super Apostle and 11 Apostle-lites.
This also adds to what is not in the scriptures. The job of Biblical translation is quite an involved one, and is why you MUST stick very closely to tranlations as translated. Small changes that mean nothing to you mean whole new doctrines when put in origonal language context. Doctrines that are not present in the origonal language.
So, just wanted to clear up that rough spot a bit.