The phrase “cunningly devised fables” comes from 2 Peter 1:16 in the Bible. In this verse, the apostle Peter is defending the truthfulness of the apostolic witness about Jesus Christ. He contrasts their eyewitness testimony with “cunningly devised fables.”
To understand this phrase, we first need to look at the broader context of 2 Peter 1. In this chapter, Peter is urging his readers to make their calling and election sure (v. 10) by pursuing spiritual growth and Christian virtues (vv. 5-7). He then encourages them that they can have full assurance of faith because of the true knowledge of Christ they have received (vv. 8-11).
Peter then gives the basis for this knowledge – the eyewitness account of himself and the other apostles who were with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration (vv. 16-18). He stresses that they did not follow cleverly invented stories but were eyewitnesses of Christ’s majesty. The contrast is between truth and myth, between historical accuracy and fabricated legend.
“Cunningly devised fables” refers to myths, legends, and teachings constructed by human imagination rather than historical facts. These fables may appear clever, appealing, and even contain moral lessons, but they are ultimately false and deceptive.
In contrast, Peter and the other apostles carefully transmitted the true knowledge and events of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection that they personally witnessed. The truth of Christianity rests on their reliable testimony, not fables or myths invented by men.
Characteristics of cunningly devised fables
There are several characteristics that describe the “cunningly devised fables” that Peter warns against:
- They are fictional, mythical stories rather than historical accounts.
- They originate from human imagination and innovation.
- They are often elaborate, intricate, and cleverly constructed to be believable.
- They may contain imaginative imagery, symbols, allegories to teach a lesson.
- They distort the truth and deceive people away from God’s revelation.
- They appeal to people’s natural curiosity about the spiritual realm.
- They may mix truth with error rather than being completely fabricated.
- They fail to give eyewitness testimony of real events.
Myths about gods, demigods and legends from Greek and Roman culture would be examples of “cunningly devised fables” popular in Peter’s day. False teachers also twisted Old Testament stories into complex allegories and speculative myths.
In contrast, Peter stresses he is transmitting the eyewitness testimony about real historical events in the life of Jesus. The New Testament is grounded in the true knowledge of Christ rather than fables constructed by human imagination.
Examples of modern cunningly devised fables
While ancient Greco-Roman culture was filled with elaborate myths about gods and heroes, our modern culture also has many “cunningly devised fables” people believe in.
Here are some modern examples of unbiblical fables that distort the truth:
- Mormonism – It has fictional stories about Jesus visiting America and human beings becoming gods.
- Jehovah’s Witnesses – Fables about Jesus returning invisibly in 1914 and false end-time prophecies.
- New Age spiritualism – Myths about humans attaining higher consciousness, psychic powers, contacting the dead.
- Wicca and neo-paganism – Modern revival of ancient mythology and folklore.
- UFO cults – Elaborate alien abduction stories and extraterrestrial contact claims.
- Conspiracy theories – Speculative alternative histories and concealed plots.
- Superstitions and folklore – Stories attempting to explain events through supernatural causes.
Other fables more subtly mix truth with error rather than being completely fabricated stories. This could include exaggerated miracle claims in some healing ministries or speculative prophecy predictions.
All these modern examples illustrate how human imagination can construct elaborate alternative stories. Yet they remain fundamentally fables rather than reliable testimony about reality. They do not accurately represent the spiritual realm or factual history in the way Scripture does.
The danger of following cunningly devised fables
Why did Peter see “cunningly devised fables” as so dangerous that he needed to warn believers? There are several dangers to following fables:
- They distort truth and deceive people about God. Myths often contain a mixture of truth and error.
- They appeal to human pride and curiosity apart from God’s revelation. They do not come from the Holy Spirit.
- They capture the imagination but do not transform the heart like God’s truth does.
- They often mix human effort with God’s grace rather than relying on Christ alone.
- They intimidate people with their complexity instead of providing access to truth.
- They undermine confidence in Scripture by promoting alternate stories.
- They often incorporate unbiblical spiritual practices and rituals.
- They promote speculation and obstruct people from true knowledge of Christ.
The alluring nature of fables makes them cunning. But in the end, they cannot lead people to salvation in Christ. They simply capture people’s imagination with elaborate stories constructed by human innovation rather than divine revelation.
How to avoid modern cunningly devised fables
Just as in Peter’s day, Christians today need to be discerning to avoid being deceived by modern fables. Here are some tips:
- Be deeply rooted in Scripture – The Bible is our source of divine truth and protection from deception.
- Be wary of extra-biblical books and revelations – Scripture warns against adding to God’s Word.
- Test all teachings carefully against Scripture – Use critical thinking rather than blind acceptance.
- Beware of pressure tactics and intimidation – Cults often use these to prevent questioning.
- Don’t base your faith on stories or experiences – Ground it in the historical facts about Jesus.
- Beware of clever arguments that contradict Scripture – Error often masquerades as intellectual sophistry.
- Don’t spread stories you cannot validate as true – Be careful about what you repeat to others.
- Ask God for discernment and wisdom from His Spirit – Stay centered on Jesus to avoid deception.
Staying grounded in Scripture and the true knowledge of Christ is the best defense against fables. Test all teachings against God’s Word rather than being swayed by compelling stories. Support your faith with facts rather than fiction.
Conclusion
When Peter warns against “cunningly devised fables,” he is exhorting believers to reject fictional myths constructed by human imagination. Instead, we are to ground our faith in the true knowledge and eyewitness testimony passed down about Jesus Christ.
We need to be on guard against modern examples of fables that originate from human innovation rather than divine revelation. Scripture is our defense against cunningly invented stories that sound appealing but subtly lead people astray. When we stay rooted in biblical truth, we can avoid dangerous deceptions and fables.
The New Testament is reliable testimony about real historical events. Its power to transform lives comes from spiritual truth rather than fictional tales constructed to sound plausible. Our confidence rests in Christ and the eyewitnesses to His life, not cleverly devised fables.