Was Paul behind Peter in apostolic authority?
Paul was not behind Peter in apostolic authority. In 2 Corinthians 11:5 he declares he was not a whit behind the chiefest apostles, and the context shows he was not a step behind Peter but ahead. In verse 23 he says he was more a minister of Christ.
Les explains that many want to go by what Jesus said, but Jesus did not reveal the mysteries. Others want to go by what Peter said, but Peter did not have the mysteries. The mysteries were given through the Apostle Paul. In 2 Corinthians 11:5 Paul says he was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. Les notes Paul was not a step behind Peter in authority, but a little ahead. Then in verses 22-23 Paul compares himself to the twelve and the leaders in Jerusalem: Are they Hebrews? So am I. Israelites? So am I. Seed of Abraham? So am I. Ministers of Christ? He answers he is more a minister of Christ than they were. So Paul was not behind Peter; he was ahead, especially in the revelation of the secret.
For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.