Early Life and Conversion
Smith Wigglesworth was born into a large family of ten children to parents who were part of the local Methodist church. His early life was marked by poverty, and he left school at the age of seven to help support his family.
Spiritual Awakening
Wigglesworth’s spiritual journey began in earnest when he encountered the Salvation Army in his youth. At the age of 18, he experienced a profound conversion that set the course for his life. His commitment to Christ deepened after he married his wife, Polly. She played a significant role in his spiritual development, encouraging him to pursue a deeper relationship with God.
Journey into Faith
After his conversion, Smith Wigglesworth became a plumber by trade. However, his heart was always drawn towards ministry. He began preaching in local churches and was eventually influenced by the Holiness movement, which emphasized sanctification and living a life free from sin. This led him to pursue a life dedicated to healing and faith.
Ministry and Evangelism
Wigglesworth’s ministry took off in the early 1900s, coinciding with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the Azusa Street Revival in California. His understanding of faith and healing was shaped by a series of personal experiences and revelations he encountered during this period.
Miracles and Healings
One of the hallmarks of Wigglesworth’s ministry was his emphasis on divine healing. He believed that faith in Christ could lead to miraculous occurrences. Some of the most notable aspects of his healing ministry included:
- Boldness in Prayer: Wigglesworth often prayed with unwavering confidence, believing wholeheartedly in God’s ability to heal.
- Physical Manifestations: Many accounts detail instances where individuals were healed of terminal illnesses, disabilities, and other afflictions through his prayers.
- Faith as a Catalyst: He taught that faith was not just a passive belief but an active force that could move mountains.
Wigglesworth’s approach to healing often involved dramatic acts of faith, including laying hands on the sick, speaking in tongues, and even using unconventional methods, such as hitting the afflicted, which shocked many but was seen as an expression of his faith.
Teaching and Doctrine
Wigglesworth’s teachings emphasized several core doctrines of the Christian faith:
1. The Authority of Scripture: He held the Bible as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice.
2. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Wigglesworth preached about the necessity of the Holy Spirit for empowerment in Christian life and ministry.
3. Faith as a Lifestyle: For Wigglesworth, faith was not just a momentary act but a way of life. He encouraged believers to live in constant expectation of God’s goodness.
Legacy and Influence
Smith Wigglesworth's impact on the church cannot be overstated. His ministry inspired a generation of evangelists and healers who sought to emulate his fervor and commitment to faith.
Pentecostal Movement
Wigglesworth played a crucial role in the growth of the Pentecostal movement in the early 20th century. His meetings drew large crowds, and testimonies of healing and miracles began to spread, leading to the establishment of numerous Pentecostal congregations.
Influence on Modern Evangelism
Many contemporary evangelists and faith healers credit Wigglesworth as a significant influence in their ministries. His teachings about faith, healing, and the power of the Holy Spirit continue to resonate in churches across the globe. Some notable figures inspired by Wigglesworth include:
- Oral Roberts: Known for his healing ministry and university.
- A.A. Allen: A prominent healing evangelist in the mid-20th century.
- Billy Graham: While primarily known for his evangelistic crusades, Graham acknowledged the importance of faith and the Holy Spirit in his ministry.
Books and Writings
Wigglesworth authored several books that encapsulate his teachings and experiences, including:
- "Ever Increasing Faith": A compilation of his sermons and teachings that emphasizes the importance of faith in the life of a believer.
- "Smith Wigglesworth on Healing": This book outlines his views on divine healing, filled with testimonies and insights into his healing ministry.
- "The Power of Faith": A collection of his thoughts on the significance of living a faith-filled life.
These writings continue to inspire Christians seeking a deeper understanding of faith and healing.
Personal Life and Character
Despite his public persona as a powerful evangelist, Wigglesworth was known for his humility and deep spirituality.
Family Life
Wigglesworth had a loving relationship with his wife, Polly, who passed away in 1913. Her death profoundly affected him, leading him to a deeper reliance on God and a commitment to continue his ministry. He later remarried, and his second wife, a fellow believer, supported his ministry.
Character and Conduct
Those who knew Smith Wigglesworth described him as a man of immense integrity, prayerfulness, and unwavering faith. He was known for:
- A disciplined prayer life: He would often spend hours in prayer and meditation.
- Generosity: Wigglesworth was known to give freely to those in need, demonstrating his belief in God’s provision.
- An unwavering commitment to holiness: He sought to live a life that was pleasing to God, which resonated in his preaching.
Conclusion
Smith Wigglesworth, the Apostle of Faith, remains a towering figure in Christian history. His legacy of faith, healing, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel continues to inspire believers around the world. Through his dynamic ministry, he not only changed individual lives but also helped to shape the trajectory of the modern Pentecostal movement. His story is a testament to the power of faith and the belief that God can perform miracles in the lives of those who dare to believe. As the church continues to grapple with issues of faith and healing, Wigglesworth's life serves as a reminder that, with God, all things are possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Smith Wigglesworth?
Smith Wigglesworth was a British evangelist and faith healer, known for his intense faith and the miraculous healings associated with his ministry in the early 20th century.
What is Smith Wigglesworth most known for?
He is most known for his powerful preaching and healing services, where many reported miraculous healings and transformations, earning him the title 'Apostle of Faith'.
What were some key beliefs of Smith Wigglesworth?
Wigglesworth believed in the power of faith, the authority of the Bible, and that healing was part of the atonement, emphasizing the importance of living a Spirit-filled life.
How did Smith Wigglesworth's early life influence his ministry?
Wigglesworth grew up in a poor family and had limited formal education, which shaped his reliance on faith and the Holy Spirit, influencing his later ministry style and teachings.
What impact did Smith Wigglesworth have on the Pentecostal movement?
Wigglesworth significantly impacted the Pentecostal movement, inspiring many with his dynamic preaching and emphasis on healing, contributing to the growth of the movement in the early 20th century.
Can you name a famous quote by Smith Wigglesworth?
One of his famous quotes is, 'Great faith is the product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests.'
When did Smith Wigglesworth pass away?
Smith Wigglesworth passed away on March 12, 1947, but his teachings and legacy continue to influence many Christians today.
What methods did Smith Wigglesworth use in his healing services?
Wigglesworth often used prayer, the laying on of hands, and sometimes unorthodox methods, such as striking or shouting, believing that the Holy Spirit would guide his actions.
How is Smith Wigglesworth remembered in contemporary Christianity?
He is remembered as a powerful preacher and healer, and his life and teachings continue to inspire many in the faith, particularly within Pentecostal and Charismatic circles.
