Here is where we must depart. I think the Gospels take clear precedence. The Epistles are important but not totally necessary to understanding the Gospels. None of the Gospels were put into writing for several decades after the Resurrection. Paul evangelized and taught at least two decades after the Resurrection. So there was a gap, where disciples had little or nothing in writing, most likely just oral transmissions (and some writings) that were compiled into the Gospels we have today.
Paul addressed his letters to particular communities. Only later, again probably not for a couple of decades, were they circulated more widely. If my memory is correct, the first reference by someone else to a letter of Paul occurs around 90-100 CE. Keep in mind that everything was written and copied by hand. So the various Christian communities in the first century CE were not aware of most of Paul's letters. But they DID hear and eventually had read to them the teachings and stories that comprised the Gospels. Many people became Christians on the strength of what they heard (and that eventually was incorporated into the Gospels) before and without any of the Epistles.
So my contention is that Paul's letters, and the other Epistles, are in essence explanation, commentary, and expansion on what Jesus taught. Sort of like a sermon or homily, Paul was preaching to the faithful, emphasizing what it meant to be a disciple, to keep them on track, or to get them back on track.
The Gospels are sufficient unto themselves to know what it means, and what one must do, to be a disciple of Jesus.
This was a response to the paragraph in which I said, "most people's understanding and knowledge of Jesus is insufficient". The problem with this idea is that it places all the responsibility on the Holy Spirit. It is the individual's responsibility to learn and apply what Jesus taught and commanded. We have the option of doing that or not. Most people do try, but in a half-hearted way. I will not blame that on the failure of the Spirit, but rather on the failure of the person to internalize the Gospel message and then apply it to their own lives.
Clare73 is correct in that it is not the function of the "words on the page", but rather that one reads those words and applies those words, seeking guidance from the Spirit.
As in some prior threads, this one has devolved into a two person conversation. No one else is participating, unfortunately. I will not get into endless arguing back and forth, so again I will say that we must agree to disagree. My view of God, of scripture, of faith, and of discipleship is not the same as that of Clare73. Neither of us will convince the other of our position, so let's let it rest and move on.
To Clare73, I appreciate the dialogue, and will pray that you receive all the blessings that God will bestow on you during this season of reflection and penance, as we await the joy of Easter.
Peace and blessings,
Martin