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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Sailing in New Testament times was a dangerous proposition. In 2 Corinthians 11:5, Paul says he has been shipwrecked three times. He was shipwrecked at least one other time as described in Acts 27 and 28.
Ships were only capable of sailing with the wind. In the Mediterranean Sea, the wind generally was from the south in the summer and from the north in the winter. So the great grain ships that supplied Rome left in the spring to go to Africa and returned as soon as possible. During the winter months, winds were so unpredictable that it was dangerous after mid-September, and impossible after early November.
There is no way to date Paul’s actions accurately, but some experts believe he was imprisoned in Caesarea starting June 57 AD and sent to Rome two years later in the fall of 59 AD. The scriptures make it clear it was the very end of sailing season. Paul, the centurion, and the soldiers must have been very unhappy about being sent to Rome at that time of year.
