So, the fact that Paul thought he was on par with Peter means that he was?
Well, that settles it.
Why did no one think of that until Luther?
Damn, all those ignoramuses over the centuries!
See, actually they did but their voices were stifled until the bible was available to the common people to read and understand for themselves. Then they saw that Paul didn't need Peter or the Jerusalem church to teach him when he was first saved; the Holy Spirit had already called him and set him apart as a missionary to the Gentiles.
“But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)”
“And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.”
All that was recognized here was a division of labor in the partnership of the gospel. No grace was bestowed nor authority given since the Holy Spirit had already set Paul apart.