Why did the Jerusalem apostles refuse to accept Paul's apostleship?
The Jerusalem apostles and their leader refused to accept Paul's apostleship because they were unwilling to relinquish their power and authority. They were not ready to admit that Paul, a Jew, had been placed by God as His instrument, revealing their human reluctance to share or yield their established position.
Les explains that the twelve men in Jerusalem, along with the leader, refused to give up their authority, and that this is human. He says it shows their humanity—they were not ready to relinquish 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 looks forward to meeting him, but their refusal reveals human reluctance to yield position.