Westar Institute

Walter Wink was a biblical scholar, theologian, and social activist. He participated in the Jesus Seminar with his contributions to the debate and dialogue that formed much of the work behind the publication of The Five Gospels. He was also an important figure in Pauline studies, specifically in his highly influential work of Naming the Powers (1984), Unmasking the Powers (1986), Engaging the Powers (1992), When the Powers Fall (1998), and The Powers that Be (1999). He understood Paul's references to the "powers" as references to the domination of Roman imperial theology, thus liberating Paul from the chains of antiquity to be a voice of resistance today.