Defense:
Perhaps one of the clearest indications that Paul thought Jesus was Yahweh comes from the fact that he used Monotheistic Old Testament passages which uniquely referred to Yahweh and applied them to the Lord Jesus Christ.

> 2 Corinthians 10:17, “But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD.”
> Jeremiah 9:24, “‘But let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,’ declares the LORD.”

The Lord in the context of 2 Corinthians 10 is Jesus, while the Lord in Jeremiah 9:24 is Yahweh.