The Apostle Paul made the statement above because the Gentiles were considered Heathens, by the Jews. The Jews were the ones chosen of God; hence, they saw the rest of the world as unclean. When the Lord Jesus came, He came as a Jew and picked His apostles from among the Jews. After He left, and sent out these apostles as ministers, they ministered only to the Jews, the chosen people of God.

 

Subsequently, God opened the door for the Gentiles to receive the Gospel and sent Peter to the house of Cornelius, a Roman Centurion. Peter ministered the Gospel to Cornelius and his household, and the Holy Ghost came on all of them, to the astonishment of the Jewish believers that accompanied Peter. Afterwards, the other apostles rebuked Peter "Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them" (Acts 11:3). Peter had to explain to them how he was led of the Lord to the house of Cornelius (Acts 11:4-14).

 

Having listened to Peter, they held their peace, and glorified God, but not without wondering how God could also grant the Gentiles repentance unto eternal life (Acts 11:18). God then raised another apostle by the name of Paul to preach to the Gentiles. Paul, being the apostle to the Gentiles, didn’t see his calling as a menial one, even though the Jews disdained the Gentiles. He said, "I’m an apostle to the Gentiles; I magnify my office." He magnified his responsibility. He respected his office, and honoured what God told him to do.

 

Never look down or belittle your work or God-given responsibilities. As an individual, there’s a uniqueness to your personality; you have grace given to you to fulfil God’s purpose; so it’s important that you find your place and be the best in whatever you do. It doesn’t matter what opinion others might have offered your assignment; what really counts is how you see and do what you do; you’re the one to give relevance, and honour to your work and calling. So magnify your office.