The Greek verb dioko carries two distinct senses: (1) to pursue with hostile intent — to persecute; and (2) to pursue with earnest, positive intent — to press toward, to strive after. Both senses occur in the New Testament. Paul was once the great dioko-persecutor of the church (Acts 22:4); he became the great dioko-pursuer of the prize (Philippians 3:14).
The transformation of Paul from dioktes (persecutor) to one who earnestly pursues Christ captures the gospel's power to redirect the whole force of a person's life. Dioko implies intensity and sustained effort — not passive drift. Believers are called to dioko righteousness, faith, love, and peace (1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22). Simultaneously, Jesus warns that those who live godly will be dioko-d (2 Timothy 3:12). Persecution is not an accident of the Christian life; it is a promised companion of gospel faithfulness.