One thing to remember is that Christ appointed Saul of Tarsus. So had Paul's spiritual brothers said anything contrary to Christ's instructions for Paul, then Paul would have called them on it. That was the case with Peter. Just because Paul chose to cooperate with his spiritual brothers, the body of Christ, that does not prove a hierarchy existed.
EdenOne said,
" Can you see the similarities with Acts 15? Paul and his companions present a report to the elders in Jerusalem. Who is presiding over them? Again, James is. The person who presents a report to someone is in subjection to the one receiving the report. Again, by 58 CE, this group of men in Jerusalem were Christ's appointed leadership of the christian congregation and were recognized as such by the congregations and individual apostles like Paul. "
Read through Acts 15 in the ESV. There is no indication that Paul was subservient to a GB. Presenting a report paints the picture of an employee reporting to his employer. That was not the case. Paul related the powerful deeds accomplished via Holy Spirit concerning the Gentiles to his brothers who could not be eyewitnesses of these deeds. This would naturally be the case since all were members of the " Church " even though they were separated geographically. That's it. That's all there was. Seperate congregations in different locations on a map. All equal, all united in faith through Christ. Yes there were older men, mature men with experience. Certainly Paul did not come in with any delusions of grandeur, thinking to show these men what real spirituality was, or try to take over. He simply respected them as his brothers, and they reciprocated.
So in a verse such as Acts 15:2 where it speaks of Paul and Barnabas being appointed to go up to Jerusalem, it doesn't mean they were sent out as subordinates, like a CO being sent out by the GB. They simply met to speak about a pressing issue. For whatever reason, Paul and Barnabas and others were the best choice to make the trip. The concept of a hierarchy was nowhere to be found. That is a remnant of WTBTS thinking that we all need to get rid of, just as Jesus' disciples had to let go of the concept of " greatness " that they learned from the Jewish religious leaders of their day.
I would like to recommend an excellent series of videos made by a brother. Go to Youtube and search for arp7601. You may need to sign in. The series is called The Channel of God: Part 1- The Walsh Trial. There are several parts, at least 7. They are all excellent, and the issue of a first century GB is considered, as well as what being an Elder or older man really meant. We have a skewed view of these terms today.