Russell, hello! Of course, we disagree on the central issue underneath all of this (did Jesus literally die and rise from the dead), but I'll try and limit my question to a tangential matter.

You suggest that because Paul taught things that seemed contrary to Moses that means he did not convert to faith in Jesus.

If I'm understanding that correctly, what do you make of Scripture like:

Mark 7: 14-23 --> where Jesus undercuts the Hebrew dietary laws and says that it is not food that defiles a person but what comes out of our hearts.

Mark 2: 22-23 --> where Jesus refuses to follow the strict Sabbath laws and declares that He is the "Lord of the Sabbath"

Mathew 5 --> in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus reimagines nearly all of the basis of the Law.

21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.

He consistently tells a story that the Law was a shadow of the reality to come. And that He is that reality. He doesn't contradict the Law, but "fills it full".

To me, it seems pretty clear that Paul is following in that very same direction. Changing a rule-following religion into one based on following Jesus, who is the perfect fulfillment of what all those rules pointed to.