1. Introduction
Throughout Scripture, God’s redemptive plan is revealed primarily through His covenant people—Israel in the Old Testament and the Church in the New. However, the biblical narrative also includes many cases where unbelievers—those outside covenant relationship with God—bless others in tangible, meaningful ways, and their blessings are acknowledged, honoured, and made fruitful within God’s providence. These stories underscore the theological truth that God honours righteous action and sincere goodwill, even when performed by those who have not yet entered into covenant with Him.
2. Biblical Basis: God Acknowledges Unbelievers’ Actions
Romans 2:14–15
“Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law… they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts.”
Paul affirms that Gentiles—unbelievers in the Jewish covenantal sense—can still act righteously because God’s universal moral law is written on the human heart. When they act in alignment with this law—whether through justice, mercy, compassion, or truth—they operate within God’s design and thereby contribute to blessing, whether intentionally or not.
Matthew 5:45
“He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
This highlights that God’s common grace sustains and blesses all of humanity, and that those who act according to His moral order—believers or not—may see temporal fruit.
3. Notable Cases of Unbelievers Blessing Others in the Bible
3.1. Pharaoh Elevating Joseph (Genesis 41)
- Pharaoh, a pagan Egyptian king, recognises Joseph’s wisdom and elevates him to second-in-command.
- His act of blessing brings about national and international preservation during famine.
- Outcome: Fruitful governance, preservation of life across nations, honouring of Joseph’s gift.
Genesis 41:39–41
“Since God has made all this known to you… You shall be in charge of my palace…”
3.2. Cyrus of Persia Releasing the Exiles (Isaiah 45:1; Ezra 1:1–4)
- Cyrus, a pagan monarch, issues a decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
- Scripture calls him “God’s anointed,” showing divine approval of his political and moral action.
- Outcome: Restoration of worship, fulfilment of prophecy, peace for exiles.
Isaiah 45:4–5
“Though you do not acknowledge me, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honour…”
3.3. Jethro Advising Moses (Exodus 18:1–27)
- Jethro, a Midianite priest and Moses’ father-in-law, gives strategic advice on leadership delegation.
- Though not part of Israel’s covenant, his wisdom is implemented by Moses.
- Outcome: Institutional reform, reduced burden on Moses, just governance for Israel.
Exodus 18:23–24
“If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain…”
3.4. Cornelius the Centurion (Acts 10:1–4)
- Cornelius, a Roman military officer, is generous to the poor and reverent toward God prior to conversion.
- God responds to his prayers and acts of kindness by sending Peter with the Gospel.
- Outcome: Cornelius and his household become the first Gentile believers in the New Testament.
Acts 10:4
“Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.”
3.5. Rahab the Canaanite (Joshua 2)
- Rahab shelters the Israelite spies at great personal risk.
- She acts out of reverence for what God has done and secures safety for her family.
- Outcome: Preservation of life, inclusion in the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:5).
Joshua 2:11–12
“The Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. Now then, please swear to me by the Lord…”
4. Why These Blessings Were Fruitful: Theological Explanation
| Act by Unbeliever | Universal Law Invoked | Why It Bore Fruit |
|---|---|---|
| Pharaoh’s promotion of Joseph | Justice, reward of wisdom and skill | Proverbs 22:29 – “He will serve before kings” |
| Cyrus’s decree | Political justice, religious liberty | Proverbs 21:1 – “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord” |
| Jethro’s counsel | Wisdom, concern for social order | Proverbs 15:22 – “Plans fail for lack of counsel…” |
| Cornelius’s generosity | Compassion, reverence | Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord” |
| Rahab’s hospitality | Faith in divine power, protection of life | James 2:25 – “Rahab was considered righteous…” |
These acts harmonise with God’s created moral order. Even without covenantal knowledge, these individuals aligned themselves with truth, mercy, or justice, and thus participated in God’s universal blessing structure.
5. God’s Use of Unbelievers for His Purposes
The fruitfulness of their blessings also reflects the truth that God sovereignly uses those outside the covenant to achieve redemptive ends.
2 Chronicles 36:23 (Cyrus’s decree)
“The Lord, the God of heaven… has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem…”
Romans 9:17 (Pharaoh’s role)
“I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you…”
Though these individuals were not justified by faith at the time, their actions served divine purposes and bore fruit because God honours righteousness wherever it appears, in accordance with His design.
6. Distinguishing Fruitfulness from Salvation
It is critical to note that while their blessings were honoured, this does not mean they were automatically saved. Scripture maintains a clear distinction:
| Fruitfulness of Action | Eternal Salvation |
|---|---|
| Based on alignment with moral truth | Based on faith in Christ |
| Accessible to all people (common grace) | Accessible only through the Gospel (saving grace) |
| Recognised and rewarded in this life | Secured only through repentance and faith |
7. Conclusion
The Bible reveals that unbelievers can—and do—bless others, and when their actions align with God’s universal laws of mercy, justice, and wisdom, those blessings bear real fruit. This affirms the consistency of God’s moral order and highlights His capacity to use all people, not just covenant members, to accomplish His good purposes. While such blessings do not imply salvation, they demonstrate that God’s world is structured to reward right action, even when it comes from unexpected sources.
References
- Genesis 41; Exodus 18; Joshua 2; Isaiah 45; Ezra 1; Matthew 5:45
- Romans 2:14–15; Romans 9:17; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 22:29
- Acts 10:1–4; 2 Chronicles 36:23; James 2:25