Paul uses the word "gentile" many times without it having a negative meaning.

(1 Timothy 2:7 NIV) And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle--I am telling the truth, I am not lying--and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.

(2 Timothy 4:17 NIV) But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth.

(Acts 10:45 NIV) The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.

(Acts 13:16 NIV) Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: "Men of Israel and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me!

(Acts 13:47 NIV) For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"