Was the apostle Paul on a different level than ordinary Christians?

Les explains that Paul, though an apostle, was not beyond the reach of the ordinary believer. Paul was a sinner saved by grace, just like every other believer. He did not put himself above the rank and file. He said, "Be as I am, for I am as you are." Even though the Galatians had come out of paganism and Paul had come out of Judaism, in the final analysis there was no difference. All were without God, all on their own way, and the fear of God was with none of them. Les also points out that Paul wrote to all his churches that they were to follow his example. Most people today say, "Follow Jesus," but Paul says we are to follow him because he is following the ascended Christ, and we follow Paul. He cites 1 Corinthians chapter 4, verse 16, as one of several places where Paul says almost word for word the same thing.