If he wasn't influential, why do we even know his name? I don't even know what kind of game you're trying to play. If Paul had not become a leading figure in the development of Christianity, we wouldn't be having this conversation.
As for God having already won, he's drawing out the end game like a James Bond villain who has a trapdoor over a pool full of crocodiles just waiting. I think the hinges might need oiling at this point.
“Vlad, was Paul or was Paul not an influential figure in the development of the church during his lifetime?”
That isn’t the question. The question is was he making everything up for the sake of earthly “power” and the answer is clearly NO.
“You tell me, you’re the expert.”
Compared to you, I apparently am.
“His letters were answered, saved, and published.”
Peter’s letters were saved. John’s letters were saved. Jude’s letter was saved. That doesn’t mean Paul made everything up for the sake of earthly “power”.
“His directives were followed.”
Sometimes, but not all time. Also, he gave advice, not just directives. And none of that shows that Paul made everything up for the sake of earthly “power”.
“Other church leaders met with him.”
And he met with other Church leaders. So? None of that shows that Paul made everything up for the sake of earthly “power”.
“He was apparently dangerous enough to imprison and kill.”
So totalitarian regimes only imprison and execute those who are “dangerous”? None of that shows that Paul made everything up for the sake of earthly “power”.
“If he wasn’t influential, why do we even know his name?”
Malchus was name of the man whose ear was cut off by Peter. I know his name because it’s in the gospel of John. Was he influential?
“I don’t even know what kind of game you’re trying to play.”
I’m not playing a game, but you sure are jumping around like you’re playing hopscotch.
“If Paul had not become a leading figure in the development of Christianity, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”
Sure we would - because your claim was that he did what he did to gain “power”.
“As for God having already won, he’s drawing out the end game like a James Bond villain who has a trapdoor over a pool full of crocodiles just waiting. I think the hinges might need oiling at this point.”
God has His own schedule.