The term “one-hit wonder” is most commonly used to designate musicians who had only one popular song. For example, one list of “The Greatest One-Hit Wonders of All Time” ranks the 1996 Los del Rios’ song, “Macarena,” at number one.
For purposes of this series, a “one-hit wonder” is a Bible character who is mentioned once, sometimes not even by name. Some of these characters play critical parts in important events, and some just give us an interesting glimpse into their world.
Because little is known about these minor characters, it is necessary to give them personalities that would be reasonable for the situation, then concentrate the episode of the Eyewitness Bible Series around events portrayed in the Bible.
As we often caution, we are not trying to add to what the Bible says; we are simply trying to add context that will help you understand the Bible better. We invite you to read the applicable Scriptures for these stories so you will know exactly what the Bible says.
Just as some one-hit wonder songs are a bit whimsical. Perhaps you will find some of these stories to be the same way. I hope you enjoy them, and learn some unexpected things.
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Nicodemus is one of the most interesting people in the Bible. He crops up only in the book of John, where he is mentioned three times. It’s important to note that all three of these mentions could be summaries of longer conversations and events.
Nicodemus is introduced in John 3:1 as a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council. In John 3:10, Jesus says that Nicodemus is “Israel’s teacher.” There is no doubt that Nicodemus is powerful and well-known. In John 3:2, it says he came to Jesus by night. Many people speculate Nicodemus came at night so nobody would know he had come to meet Jesus even though this was very early in Jesus’ ministry.
In John 3:2 Nicodemus says, “We” know Jesus is a teacher who has come from God, because no one could perform the signs he performs unless he comes from God. It is unclear who “we” is, because many of the Pharisees and leaders are certainly not convinced Jesus is from God.
