Stephen was appointed as a deacon to cater for the poor and needy. In the Bible, specifically in the New Testament, Stephen was one of the seven men chosen by the apostles to serve as deacons in the early Christian church. Their main responsibility was to oversee the distribution of food and other aid to widows and other needy members of the community. While Stephen was known for his preaching and miracles, his appointment as a deacon was specifically to address the practical needs of the community.