What was the status of Peter, James, and John among the twelve apostles?
Peter, James, and John held the status of the chiefest apostles among the twelve. They were regarded as the chief ones, forming what is called the inner sanctum of the twelve. Paul compares himself to them, stating he is not behind these very chiefest apostles.
Les explains that Paul, writing in 2 Corinthians, refers to Peter, James, and John as the "very chiefest apostles." They were the chief ones, the three of what Les calls the inner sanctum of the twelve. Even though they held that prominent status, Paul argues he is not behind them in authority. Les notes that Paul uses the word "fool" merely to show he has no pride in himself and is not an egotist, but because of the Corinthians' constant resistance to his authority, he has to come back and prove it. Paul says, "You have compelled me, for I ought to have been commended of you." Les also points out that the Holy Spirit led Paul to say the same thing three times in a chapter, and when Scripture repeats something in a short span, it is there for emphasis.
I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.