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Paul was arguably the most intellectual, most educated, most righteous under the law among all of the apostles.

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. - Philippians 3:3-11

More importantly, he was specially and dramatically chosen by Jesus Christ, humbled by Christ (thorn in the flesh) - and was extremely blessed in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles, a vital mission.

And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. - John 12:20-23

Moveover, the Holy Spirit authenticates (to me at any rate) that Paul's writings are indeed Scriptures. Peter also knew they were Scripture.

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account [that] the longsuffering of our Lord [is] salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. - 2 Peter 3:14-16

[.. Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. - 2 Peter 3:14-16 ..]

Beautiful defense and introduction of Paul, you're whole post...

I agree.. Almost all the other Apostles were Uneducated teenagers.. Paul was educated to the hilt in several languages the Talmud, Torah, Prophets and other semantics and scripture.. Paul was even a Roman citizen.. and a Jew amongst Jews.. a Pharisee..

The Apostles WONGLY elected Matthias as an Apostle to replace Judas.. But Jesus himself elected Saul/Paul to replace him.. Paul's heavenly vision raised the other Apostles spiritual visions to greater heights.. I believe..

No concepts known among men exceed the Letter to the Ephesians in the New Testament, I know of.. Even a brief reading of Pauls writtings in the New Testament can set your spirit loose.. Paul was special among all those God called to service.. Paul didn't heal the flesh of men as much as he healed the spirits of men by drawing then to the throne of grace by the Holy Spirit... I think I LOVE Paul.. No, I know I do..