Paul tells us that his words are the “commandments of the Lord,” unless he states that he is speaking for himself by permission.
In Acts 1:2 we are told that Jesus Christ, through the Holy Ghost, gave commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen.
Acts 1:2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen.
We see in I Timothy 1:1 that Paul is an apostle of Jesus Christ by commandment.
I Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope.
In I Corinthians 14:37 our Apostle Paul tells us that what he writes are:
“the commandments of the Lord.”
I Corinthians 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
Paul tells us that his words are commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ – except when he is speaking for himself by permission.
Following, are verses where Paul says that he is speaking by permission, as to the accompanying scriptures that Paul is speaking of.
I Corinthians 7:6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
I Corinthians 7:25 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
II Corinthians 8:8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.