Was Paul merely a human instrument God used and spoke through when he wrote?
Yes. Paul was merely a human instrument that God used and spoke through as he wrote, just as with all the other writers and scribblers. The writings of Paul should not elevate the man, and inspiration means God spoke through him, not that Paul himself is the focus.
Les teaches that when speaking of the writings of Paul, he is not elevating the man. He emphasizes that Paul was merely a human instrument God used and spoke through as he wrote, just as with all the other writers and scribblers. Les also notes that even well-known, famous men will say Luke must have been a tremendous researcher and note taker, which fits the same point: God used human vessels, but the authority remains God's.