Did Paul have the same failures, weaknesses, and fears that we have?
Yes. Paul was of the same human make-up as every believer, so he experienced the same failures, weaknesses, and fears. He trembled in his boots when entering pagan cities, not knowing what response he would receive, yet he went anyway, providing an example for others to follow.
Les explains that Paul could tell the believing world to follow him because he was of the same human make-up that we are. He had the same failures, the same weaknesses, and the same fears. When he went into strange pagan cities, he did not go with a boldness or facade that showed no fear; he trembled in his boots just like we would, not knowing what kind of response he would get. But he went anyway, and that is what we have to do. It is a fearsome thing to take the Gospel out to a belligerent world, yet this is what Paul means by “be ye followers of Me.” We are to burn with that same desire to see more people come to a knowledge of salvation. Paul writes to Gentiles, and his example shows that ordinary human weakness does not excuse us from carrying the Gospel.
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.