Initiated by international scholars as a Catholic and ecumenical, academic and pastoral enterprise, The International Bible Commentary brings together many voices speaking from different cultural perspectives to interpret God's word in the Bible. These voices, gathered from South America, Europe, Australia, Africa, North America, India, Asia, and the Philippines, have written their commentaries and articles from a variety of perspectives so that the spirit of many world cultures can be experienced in the celebration of the Bible today. A ground-breaking achievement for pastors and preachers across the globe, the International Bible Commentary enables people to read and teach the Bible by helping them to recover the ancient biblical truth in all its warmth and power, yet within modern contexts. The international strength of this work is confirmed by the participation of publishers who are committed to producing editions in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Polish.

The International Bible Commentary meets the specific needs and requirements of pastors using a one-volume Bible commentary. In addition to articles on text and the canon of the Bible, interpretation, and biblical theology -- always asking "what does a pastor need to know about these subjects?" -- essays on contemporary issues are also included, such as Church and state, ecology and the Bible, justice,poverty, and work. Pastors' guides tie together the biblical commentaries and the general articles and focus on themes such as the Bible and preaching, the Bible and liturgy, the Bible and Christian education, the Bible and social action, and the Bible and pastoral care. The commentary takes note of each biblical book's use in the Church's liturgy.

Scholars will also be impressed by the global methodological and systematic approach of The International Bible Commentary. Using the modern historical-critical method, the commentators emulate the exegetical approaches of early Christian scholars such as Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Origen, and include information on how the texts have provided vital guidance to the Church throughout the world. The International Bible Commentary has prompted, for the first time, communication between commentary authors and other experts, who have come together to critique each other's work. This mutual enlightenment has enhanced the quality of each presentation.