Who was Smith Wigglesworth, the Apostle of Faith?

Early Life and Background

Smith Wigglesworth was born in 1859 in Menston, Yorkshire, England. Raised in humble surroundings, he worked alongside his family members in local factories and fields. Though he grew up amid financial challenges, he showed a sincere devotion to God from a young age. According to various biographical sources and letters, he would often seek to bring others to faith even as a young person.

An interesting facet of his early years was his struggle with reading and writing, a skill he finally acquired with the help of his wife, Polly. Biographers record that once he learned to read, the only book he would regularly engage with was the Bible. This singular focus helped shape his unwavering trust in Scripture, which strongly influenced the rest of his ministry.

Call to Ministry

Wigglesworth’s ministry began in earnest when he joined his wife in evangelistic and charitable outreach. Their shared desire was to see hurting and lost people encounter God’s healing and saving power. Over time, he developed a particular conviction that divine healing, as described in James 5:14–15—“Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick…”—remained available to believers.

In accordance with passages such as 1 Corinthians 12:9, which speaks of gifts of healing, Wigglesworth devoted himself to fervent prayer for those who sought physical, emotional, or spiritual transformation. This strong belief in the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life resonated with many, leading to an ever-widening circle of engagements.

The 'Apostle of Faith' Title

Wigglesworth’s unwavering trust in God’s promises and his commitment to healing ministry earned him the moniker “Apostle of Faith.” His preaching style was marked by directness and simplicity, aligning with verses like Mark 16:17–18, which proclaims that “…in My name they will drive out demons…they will place their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.” Numerous accounts, preserved through eyewitness testimonies and written records, recount moments where individuals claim to have experienced remarkable healings under his ministry.

Though written sources vary in precise details of dates and numbers, the overall testimony stays consistent: Wigglesworth prayed with expectation. Encouraging others to do the same, he frequently reminded believers of John 14:12, where Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these…”

Doctrine and Emphasis on Holiness

In his sermons and writings, Wigglesworth emphasized the Bible as the authoritative and inerrant word of God. Passages like 2 Timothy 3:16, where Scripture is written to be “God-breathed,” formed the foundation of his personal study and preaching. He believed that a life filled with the Holy Spirit—described in Ephesians 5:18 as being “filled with the Spirit”—should lead to radical obedience and holiness.

Maintaining daily communion with God through prayer and Bible study was another cornerstone of his teaching. Wigglesworth often reminded followers of Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” He encouraged Christians to align their thoughts, motivations, and behaviors under the lordship of Christ, relying on the Holy Spirit’s ongoing presence.

International Evangelistic Efforts

As part of the global Pentecostal and healing movement of the early 20th century, Wigglesworth traveled extensively. He visited nations as far-flung as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and various countries in Europe. During these travels, he conducted evangelistic services in churches, auditoriums, and open-air venues. Historians and eyewitnesses note that these gatherings often attracted large crowds seeking both physical healing and spiritual renewal.

Also notable was his involvement with other like-minded ministers in various revival events and conferences. Documentation from these events depicts him as a central speaker who consistently highlighted redemption in Christ, interwoven with a belief in supernatural restoration.

Writings and Recorded Healings

Though Wigglesworth did not write extensive theological treatises, collections of his sermons and teachings were later compiled into books such as “Ever Increasing Faith.” These writings captured his straightforward approach to faith: trusting the authority of Scripture wholeheartedly and expecting God to confirm His Word with signs following (referencing Mark 16:20).

Anecdotal reports claim that some experienced immediate transformations from illnesses and disabilities. In some cases, accounts even credit him with praying for the dead who then revived, echoing examples of miraculous resurrections found in Scripture like Acts 9:36–41 (the raising of Tabitha). While such claims often rely on personal testimonies without the modern medical documentation typical today, the cumulative historical records and the testimonials of contemporaries each lend support to the remarkable nature of his ministry.

Biblical Basis for Modern-Day Miracles

In defending the possibility of modern-day healings, Wigglesworth would often reference Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” By emphasizing divine constancy, he argued that God’s promises to heal and deliver did not end with the era of the apostles. This conviction aligned him with others who embraced a literal, faith-based reading of Scripture and believed in ongoing spiritual gifts for the Church (1 Corinthians 12:4–11).

His perspective resonates with the broader scriptural witness that God graciously interacts with His people through the Holy Spirit. From Wigglesworth’s viewpoint, such manifestations of power served both as divine compassion for human needs and tangible affirmations of the truth of the gospel.

Controversies and Critiques

Some observers, both religious and secular, questioned the methods and the authenticity of the healings reported in Wigglesworth’s gatherings. Critics argued that excessive emotionalism or lack of corroborating medical evidence cast doubt on certain claims. Yet Wigglesworth repeatedly pointed back to verses like Matthew 9:29, where Jesus says, “According to your faith will it be done to you.”

Moreover, he reminded listeners that skepticism was not unique to modern believers: even in the New Testament, individuals challenged the reality of miraculous works (John 9:18). To him, results testified to Scripture’s veracity, and he considered faith in the living Christ, rather than prolonged debate, as the essential means to see the power of God.

Legacy and Influence

Smith Wigglesworth passed away in 1947, yet his impact on Christian evangelism and revival movements remains. Churches and ministries drawing inspiration from his example emphasize the simplicity and immediacy of prayer, the fullness of the Spirit, and allegiance to the authority of the Bible. His life and ministry have influenced generations of pastors, evangelists, and ordinary believers who seek to witness God’s power made known in present-day contexts.

Many modern pastors, authors, and speakers credit Wigglesworth’s testimonies as a catalyst for renewed boldness, particularly regarding prayer for healing and the expectation of the Holy Spirit’s gifts. His zeal for Scripture continues to inspire churches to take God’s promises seriously, reminding them that faith is both a gift and a practice cultivated by obedience.

Concluding Thoughts

Smith Wigglesworth, often referred to as the “Apostle of Faith,” stands as a prominent figure who devoted his life to the proclamation of Christ’s healing and saving power. As with all Christian teachings, his life and ministry are most fruitfully examined in light of the Scriptures he cherished—passages that demonstrate the same God still moves amid His people, extending grace, transformation, and redemption.

His story, gathered through written archives, letters, eyewitness testimonies, and preaching transcripts, illustrates how deep dependence upon God’s Word can bear fruit both spiritually and physically. In the final analysis, Wigglesworth’s central message continues to echo through the church: embrace faith in the risen Christ and trust in the unchanging promises revealed in Scripture.