Ed, I'm curious ... What would your exegesis look like if you couldn't quote the books of Paul to base your view of God upon? If you removed this ONE witness from the Bible, would you still be able to believe what you've written?

The truth, by Hebraic custom, is based on the witness of two or three, and preferably more.

Take note that Luther and many other reformers wanted to removed the books of James, Jude, 1-3 John, Hebrews and Revelation from the Bible as being less than inspired.

What would your exegesis look like then if you didn't have these books as well?

I've written some articles on this very topic ... WHY JESUS LEFT THE CHURCH: https://medium.com/backyard-theology/why-jesus-left-the-church-aab86cb3dd0e

It's an eye-opening read ...