Truly honored for new role

I love the tension of this verse. To me, it shows that Paul wrestles with how God’s grace is the sole reason for his substance.
I’m by no means an authority in the world of theology. I’m sure there will be some who peruse this column who are. I guess it would be appropriate in this context to ask for grace as I’m sure I could be handling this text clumsily.
The centuries’ old split between faith and works doesn’t even really phase Paul as he simply breezes over the paradox in order to finish his point. He knows it is only God’s grace that has given him his apostolic call under Christ, but he also knows that he has worked tirelessly and poured out blood, sweat and tears to make sure that his high call as an apostle to the Gentiles is fully realized.