Before the wonders and miracles came service and sanctification. Stephen was chosen to serve tables for the growing church and to settle disputes among the widows, which allowed the disciples to preach, pray, and study unhindered. He was chosen and set aside, using specific criteria: honesty, wisdom, and fullness of the Spirit of God. I doubt it was a position he sought out, but only with 6 other good men he did the job he was asked to do. The word deacon is used today for