Stephen was in the game!

Acts 6:1-6 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;
4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,
6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

There is something that struck me curious about these verses. I still am not clear on it, but I'd like to share my thought:
In these 6 verses a problem was identified and dealt with. These verses also say that the disciples appointed 7 men to deal with various things in the ministry so they could "give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word". Stephen was one of these 7 men, yet Stephen was killed for sharing the Gospel. What seems so interesting is that Stephen had all these other duties, yet he was still out sharing the Gospel. Maybe it wasn't as "full time" as Peter, John and the boys....but clearly he wasn't cozied up safe and sound behind the day to day tasks of the ministry.

Not only was Stephen not cozied up, safe and sound....he was doing some amazing things:
Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.

Stephen was in the game so much that he was a HUGE target. They were trying to battle him in debate and they didn't have a chance:
Acts 6:10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

Then they resorted to lying and bringing false accusations against him, yet look how Stephen responded:
Acts 6:15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.

And as we will find out tomorrow in Chapter 7, he is killed sharing the Gospel. Not exactly a behind the desk administrator.