The early church is facing a positive challenge: it has grown rapidly, and it's becoming more difficult to take care of all its members. Though there are funds available from believers selling their possessions and property, there is a need for someone to distribute those funds. The apostles are facing the challenge of doing too many tasks, such as preaching, performing signs and wonders, and distributing money by themselves. The apostles don't directly select helpers. Instead, they delegate the task of selecting helpers to the people. Nonetheless, they offer advice on the qualities the chosen individual should possess to manage the distribution efficiently.

According to Acts 6:3, individuals considered for ministry must possess three essential qualities: good reputation, full of the Spirit, and full of wisdom. This means they should be highly respected within their community, demonstrate a clear display of faith given by the Holy Spirit, and possess the necessary skills and knowledge for the task. Although they are subservient to the apostles' ministry, their personal requirements are equally important. This Christian leadership and community structure is later reflected in churches, as confirmed in 1 Timothy 3:8-10 and Titus 2:2-6. Jerusalem and later churches have both similarities and differences. In Jerusalem, the apostles chosen by Christ are the foremost leaders, while later churches have pastors selected by the congregation. However, in Acts, even the Jerusalem church appoints elders. Secondly, the seven individuals chosen in Acts 6, while not referred to as "deacons," are assigned to serve. They have distinct duties from leaders who preach and teach, just like subsequent deacons. The primary responsibility of Christian ministry is to proclaim the gospel, as demonstrated by the apostles in Acts 6:4, where they devoted themselves to prayer and preaching. Prayer is directly linked to the work of the Holy Spirit and the ministry, highlighting our complete dependence on God for guidance, provision, protection, and the advancement of the gospel. Therefore, prayer plays a crucial role in ministry.

In Acts 6:7, Luke summarizes how the gospel spread beyond Jerusalem and into other areas. He also mentions that numerous priests turned to Jesus, indicating that followers of Christ come from various segments of society. It seems evident that Stephen has abilities beyond just managing money. He is described as being "full of grace and power" (v.8), which implies the presence of the Holy Spirit, as promised by Jesus to the apostles (1:8). Additionally, like the apostles, Stephen performs "wonders and signs" (6:8). It is unknown how widespread these spiritual gifts are outside of the apostles. However, signs and wonders serve as evidence of the preached gospel.

The gospel ministry is facing opposition again, but this time it's from Hellenistic Jews instead of the Jews near the temple. The audience includes members of the "synagogue of the Freedmen," who were once Jewish enslaved people but have gained their freedom, as well as other Jewish groups from opposite sides of the Mediterranean, such as Cyrenians and Alexandrians from North Africa, and Jews from Cilicia and Asia (modern-day Turkey). These men were no match for Stephen. In reality, they were no match for the Holy Spirit working through him. Ironically, by accusing Stephen of speaking against the law, these false accusers were breaking the law themselves. Like Jesus, Stephen's teachings were misinterpreted, taken out of context, and misunderstood. In the book of Acts, Luke wrote that the council saw Stephen's face shining like an angel's face (Acts 6:15). This description symbolizes Stephen's connection to God and the influence of the Holy Spirit on him.