Mt 13:44, 1 Cor 2:2, Eph 1:19-20, 1 Pt 4:13, Acts 26:6-8, 1 Cor 9:24, 2 Tim 4:7, Heb 3:1
Paul wanted to know Christ more, knowing that the knowledge of Christ is the noblest. (Phil 3:7-9, Mt 13:44, 1 Cor 2:2, Heb 3:1)
Phil 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Mt 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
1 Cor 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Heb 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
Paul was not afraid of being persecuted while preaching the gospel. Because Paul knew there was a resurrection. (Phil 3:10-11, 1 Pt 4:13, Acts 26:6-8)
Phil 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
1 Pt 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Acts 26:6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, unto our fathers: 7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
Paul was caught by Christ and did his best to fulfill the mission of evangelism entrusted to him by Christ. (Phil 3:12-14, 1 Cor 9:24, 2 Tim 4:7)
Phil 3:12 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, unto our fathers: 7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
1 Cor 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: