Why did the Jerusalem apostles refuse to give up their authority over Paul?
The Jerusalem apostles refused because of human nature—they were not ready to relinquish their power and authority or admit that Paul was now the instrument God was using. This reluctance reflected their humanity and unwillingness to accept a shift in God's working through Paul.
Les explains that the twelve men in Jerusalem, along with their leader, refused to give up their authority. He says this is human and shows their humanity. They were not ready to relinquish that power and authority and admit that this Jew (Paul) was now in the place of God's using an instrument. Les notes he has nothing against Peter and is anxious to meet him one day, but their stance simply revealed their human reluctance to accept that God was now using Paul.