***It appears to have been a dead work as it appears that God’s choice was Paul.***
Paul was not with them from the Baptism of John to the Ascension, so he could not take Judas’ place. Paul was the enemy of Christ until God knocked him off his high horse on the road to Damascus.
**3. Why didn’t they begin proclaiming the gospel right away?
Because they need the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as his people need today.***
Actually Christ had already sent them out with power, and later sent out 70 more.
The Holy Spirit was given when Jesus breathed on them before the crucifixion. What we saw at Pentecost was a verification of that power.
**Paul was the enemy of Christ until God knocked him off his high horse on the road to Damascus.**
There is no scripture to prove that Paul was riding any animal on his way to Damascus. He fell to the ground. That can happen when standing or walking.
**The Holy Spirit was given when Jesus breathed on them before the crucifixion. What we saw at Pentecost was a verification of that power.**
That opinion is more man-made interpretation.