It seems that Stephen had a good reputation that suited him well for selection to this program. There is an important lesson for us here. It is that our character and reputation count for something in the life and ministry of the church. ‘Why is that?’ you ask.
Two reasons: First our character is evidence of our commitments and values. In other words, a look at where we spend our time who we spend our time with and what we spend our time on, gives evidence of what our values and commitments are. For Stephen, it was the ministry of the church and his relationship with His Lord and Savior. Therefore, his life gave evidence of those values and commitments.
Second, the pressures and temptations of serving God bears on our character and so it is important that our character is allowed to be shaped and refined by the Holy Spirit through circumstances and obedience. Jim Kane