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Substituting myths for the truth 5 times we are warned in the New Testament about fables, which is the word for myths. 4 of the 5 times Paul addresses this to Timothy 1 Tim 1:4 Nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Here Paul compares fables to faith, faith is based on fact, truth that we cannot always see or apprehend. 1 Tim 1:4 To fables muthois (NT:3410). Dative case of an old word for speech, narrative, story, fiction, falsehood. In the New Testament only 2 Peter 1:16; 1 Tim 1:4; 4:7; Titus 1:14; 2 Tim 4:4 .(from Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament) In the ancient world most of the stories, especially on religion were myths. It was not until the Bible came along with direct revelation, did this change. God speaking to chosen men that the truth about God was revealed and written. 1 Tim 4:6-7 But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. Apparently this occurred in other cultures. These were tales of superstition, folklore Here Paul writes to Timothy the most important verse that is filled with prophetic significance in the time we now live in. 2 Tim. 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. Fables- mythous", which in our English genre is "myth" and "mythology" They will exchange the truth for believing in myths. This is something that is especially occurring from liberal academia. They introduce speculations, opinions, interpretations that corrupt the Word and destroy ones faith. Paul prophetically warns there will be a time where Instead of teaching what produces spiritual health (the word of God) they will accept what takes them away the truth because of their itching ears, a desire to hear something new and different. Itching ears is very much like entertainment, watching a play, hearing words that do not produce true knowledge. This is the opposite effect of what Jesus would say of He who has ears to hear, let him hear as they listened to his teaching. These are restless people, not at ease with the truth. Not satisfied they seek other explanations and answers. They reject the principles and words of the truth in the Bible (sound doctrine, what brings health). Much like Israel did with gravitating to the false prophets words. Isa. 30:10. " Speak unto us smooth things; prophesy deceits." They exchange darkness for light. Myths, teachings not rooted in the Word associated with God the originator who gives the truth to all who are willing to hear. Receiving stories from so called prophets, and exhorters through their convincing speech. Titus 1:13-14 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. These myths are self made and enhanced religion that seems to have spirituality but no power. Peter gives witness to Jesus as they traveled with him as his disciples. 2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty . 2 Peter 1:16 Associative instrumental case of muthos (NT:3410) (an old term for word, narrative, story, fiction, fable, falsehood). In the New Testament only here and the Pastoral Epistles (1 Tim 1:4, etc.). Perfect passive participle of sofizoo (NT:4625), an old word (from sofos (NT:4626)), only twice in the New Testament, in causative sense to make wise (2 Tim 3:15), to play the sophist, to invent cleverly (here) and so also in the old writers and in the papyri. Some of the false teachers apparently taught that the Gospel miracles were only allegories and not facts (Bigg). Compare 2 Peter 2:3 for "feigned words ." (from Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament) They, the apostles stood as witnesses to his glory that was presented by the power of God thought Jesus Christ, the wisdom and understanding of life that were given by his words and are passed on to mankind by the inspired Scripture.
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