Were not the apostles his inner circle and he also had disciples. The original 12 he called was the beginning of this ministry. (that's why I used todays vernacular of *inner circle*) Didn't he teach them things that he did not give sermons on as scripture said he told them many things that all the world could not hold everything...(not sure of this but paraphrase from memory) The original 12 came 1 from each of the tribes of Israel I think....Based on Peters criteria, Paul (it seems to me and Peter) that Paul does not meet the criteria...
There just seems no way to reconcile this to me....just curious...why it is worded the way it was...