Short teachings like this one appear throughout the letters to Timothy and Titus (see also 1 Timothy 3:16; 2 Timothy 1:9–10; 2:8, 11–13; Titus 3:4–7). They might have adapted these teachings from creeds, hymns, or prayers familiar to the churches. The teachings probably relate to Paul's trouble with false teachers. The false teachers' teachings weakened the universal message of the good news about Jesus and the mission to non-Jews (Gentiles). The false teachers also did not accurately understand Jesus and his salvation.