Smith Wigglesworth (1859–1947) was a British evangelist renowned for his powerful healing ministry and deep faith. Known as the “Apostle of Faith,” he led a remarkable ministry that witnessed extraordinary miracles, including reports of healings, resurrections, and life-transforming encounters with God. Despite his humble beginnings and lack of formal education, Wigglesworth became a prominent figure in the early Pentecostal movement, leaving an enduring legacy of faith and spiritual authority.
Early Life and Personal Background
Smith Wigglesworth was born on June 8, 1859, in Menston, Yorkshire, England, to a poor working-class family. From a young age, he worked with his father in manual labor jobs, including working as a plumber. Wigglesworth had limited formal education due to financial constraints and struggled with reading and writing well into his adulthood. However, he had a strong sense of spirituality from an early age. His grandmother, a devout Christian, played a significant role in teaching him about faith, and he accepted Jesus as his Savior at the age of eight.
Marriage and Spiritual Transformation
In 1882, Wigglesworth married Polly Featherstone, a fervent Christian and member of the Salvation Army. Polly was instrumental in Smith’s spiritual growth, encouraging him to pursue a deeper understanding of the Bible. She taught him to read and supported him as he sought to serve others through ministry. Together, they shared a passion for evangelism, reaching out to the poor, homeless, and downtrodden. Polly often preached at open-air meetings, and Smith supported her, learning by observing her ministry.
Although Wigglesworth had been a devout Christian, his true transformation began when he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in 1907. This experience, described by Wigglesworth as receiving an “infilling of God’s power,” marked a turning point, equipping him with a newfound zeal and boldness to preach, pray, and heal.
Ministry and Healing Work
Wigglesworth’s ministry quickly became known for extraordinary signs and wonders, including healings and even reports of people being raised from the dead. Known for his straightforward, often unconventional approach to healing and deliverance, Wigglesworth was famous for his unwavering faith and determination to see miraculous results. He believed in the literal interpretation of Scriptures, particularly passages on healing, such as:
- Mark 16:17-18: “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons… they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
- James 5:14-15: “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them… And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.”
Wigglesworth’s methods were unconventional and sometimes controversial. He believed in praying with boldness and did not shy away from intense methods of healing, sometimes even “punching” afflicted areas. When criticized, he explained that his actions were aimed at confronting the evil spirit or sickness rather than the person.
Key Aspects of Wigglesworth’s Ministry and Beliefs
- Radical Faith in God’s Power: Wigglesworth believed that faith was essential to healing and miracles. He often quoted Hebrews 11:6, which states, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” His unwavering belief in God’s ability to heal any illness or disease made him one of the most sought-after healing ministers of his time.
- Prayer and the Holy Spirit: Wigglesworth placed significant emphasis on prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, considering both essential for a victorious Christian life. He believed in praying with authority, expecting results, and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit for discernment and power.
- Healing Ministry: Numerous documented accounts and testimonies affirm Wigglesworth’s reputation as a healer. It is reported that he healed individuals suffering from a wide range of ailments, including blindness, deafness, and terminal illnesses. Wigglesworth also claimed that several people had been raised from the dead through his ministry, attributing all glory to God and His power.
- Simple, Bible-Centered Teaching: Despite his lack of formal theological education, Wigglesworth preached with simplicity and conviction, basing his teachings directly on Scripture. He believed that all Christians could perform miracles if they had the faith and that God’s promises in the Bible were true and reliable.
Global Influence and Evangelistic Campaigns
In the 1920s and 1930s, Wigglesworth traveled internationally, preaching in the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. His meetings often attracted thousands of attendees who were eager to witness his teachings and the miracles associated with his ministry.
The Pentecostal movement was gaining momentum during this time, and Wigglesworth became a prominent figure within it. His ministry inspired other preachers and evangelists, and he mentored many young leaders, including Lester Sumrall and Howard Carter, who would continue to spread Pentecostal teachings worldwide. Wigglesworth’s influence was pivotal in the expansion of the charismatic movement, which emphasized the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues.
Personal Life and Character
Wigglesworth was known for his humility, discipline, and dedication to prayer. He reportedly read only the Bible, choosing not to consume newspapers or other literature. Those close to him described him as a man of immense faith, quick to pray and eager to minister to others.
He had a deep sense of compassion for the sick and brokenhearted, seeing his ministry as a way to serve God and bring His love to those in need. Even in his later years, Wigglesworth continued to preach, pray, and believe in miracles, despite facing personal health issues.
Later Years and Legacy
Smith Wigglesworth’s wife Polly passed away in 1913, which was a difficult time for him. However, he continued his ministry and found solace in his faith, trusting that he would see her again in heaven. He maintained his ministry activities well into old age and continued to travel and preach until his health declined. He passed away on March 12, 1947, while attending a church service in Wakefield, England.
Lasting Impact
Smith Wigglesworth’s legacy endures as one of the most influential healing ministers of the Pentecostal and charismatic movements. His teachings and stories of faith have inspired millions of believers worldwide. His life is often cited as a testament to the power of faith and the Holy Spirit, and his writings, which include collections of his sermons, such as Ever Increasing Faith, continue to encourage Christians to pursue a life of deep faith and reliance on God’s power.
Some of the key elements of Wigglesworth’s legacy include:
- Inspiration for Pentecostal and Charismatic Believers: Wigglesworth’s life has inspired a bold approach to faith and the gifts of the Spirit, influencing modern-day ministries focused on healing and deliverance.
- Faith-Based Teachings: His emphasis on faith as the foundation for experiencing God’s miraculous power continues to resonate within Christian communities worldwide.
- Enduring Influence: Many evangelists and faith healers draw upon Wigglesworth’s teachings and stories as examples of God’s power in action, and his legacy lives on through books, sermons, and testimonies that highlight his life’s work.
Smith Wigglesworth remains a compelling example of a man with a humble background who was transformed by faith and the Holy Spirit into a powerful instrument of God’s love and healing. His life and ministry continue to inspire believers to live boldly in faith, trusting in the power of God to work miracles and change lives.