The appearance of the Greek word "eusebeia" (godliness) is very frequent in the Pastoral Letters (e.g., 1 Timothy 4:6-10, 1 Timothy 6, 2 Timothy 3). Some theologians interpret this frequent occurrence as a shift in New Testament ethical thinking. This alleged shift occurred because the second coming of Christ did not appear so imminent as was earlier expected. However, a careful examination of the occurrences of "eusebeia" in the Pastorals within their literary context demonstrates that "godliness" reflects a response to the heretics' teaching that the resurrection had already taken place.