That is why they were suspicious of Paul, that and of course, his persecution of them.
The point is that from the beginning those who spent actual time with Jesus were considered in a different light.
As for the rest, I truly believe that the developments of the church and such were all natural and not surprising considering human nature.
Let's see what Our Lord has to say about who He thought was special in the early Church.
Acts 8:10-17
And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said to him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prays, 12 And has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on your name. 15 But the Lord said to him, Go your way: for he is a chosen vessel to me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared to you in the way as you came, has sent me, that you might receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Ananias is a disciple from Damascus who the Lord told in a vision what to do. The apostles had noting to do with this. Our Lord, and his Lord, spoke and he obeyed. That same disciple laid hands on Paul and filled him with the Holy Ghost.
The Church claims that Peter was somehow in charge. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our Lord and God's Spirit were in charge. Paul tells others multiple times he will do something if the Spirit bids him to do it. Not once dose he say, "If Peter wills it."
May God bless us with His truth, BVB
I think the problem here is that though Catholics do believe that St. Peter had primacy, we know that the Holy Spirit works through whomever He chooses.
Saul was on his way to Damascus and the Apostles were in Jerusalem, but that is beside the point that I am making here.
By accepting Peter’s place at the head, we do not mean that it is only through him that the Spirit works.
The Church is not just the pope and the Holy Spirit moves within so many that it is a mistake to think that He moves only through the pope.
This fact is perfectly demonstrated in the lives of saints who with the Holy Spirit added so much to the prayer life and charitable life of the church.
The pope is merely the visible head, and when he speaks as the Church we are assured of his infallibility. The Holy Spirit protects us from error in matters of faith and morals.
It is not your fault that your impression of the Church and her members is that of puppet master and oppressed followers. Nothing could be further from the truth, but that is the picture that is painted.