Why is Paul called an apostle when he wasn't one of the Twelve?
The short answer
An apostle is one sent forth with a mission — a delegate. Paul was clearly sent by Jesus, who called him a chosen instrument to carry his name to the Gentiles, kings and Israel. Paul calls himself an apostle many times and defends his apostleship.
What "apostle" means
The Catholic Encyclopedia defines an apostle as one sent forth, entrusted with a mission — more than a messenger, a delegate.
Paul was sent
Jesus sent Paul on a mission. The Lord called him his chosen instrument to carry his name before the Gentiles, kings and the children of Israel (Acts 9:15).
Paul's own claim
Paul calls himself an apostle many times and defends his apostleship in 1 Corinthians 9:1-2.
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