"Bridge-building" is the major contribution of this unique work. It was written by authors on all 6 major continents, excepting only Antartica. Writers were drawn from Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox traditions. The roster of contributors includes persons from developing countries no less than affluent ones, and Third World scholars quite as significantly as those from this country and Europe.

On one hand, the commentary uses the New Revised Standard Version which was copyrighted by the National Council of Churches in which Protestants figure predominantly. On the other hand, it carries the "Imprimatur" and "Nihil Obstat" of official approval from Rome and from the Bishop of St. Cloud (MN).

Given how culture-bound and language-specific and tradition-shaped all interpretive efforts are, one can easily see the wisdom of this project. Interpretation enjoys enormous benefits by this project's cross-cultural pollination of its work. Between the covers of this one book we see bridges being built between northern and southern hemispheres, between laity and clergy, between Church and academy, even between experts who do not agree.

As a factual matter, this volume is successor to the 1953 Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. But in the meantime we all have experienced the liberating effects of Vatican II, and in a very substantial way the IBC has admirably capitalized on the spirit of Vatican II. Some 120 authors from the various major traditions of Christianity were brought together by the eminent Gospels scholar William R. Farmer and his 3 editorial asssociates. Together they have produced this truly international and ecumenical commentary on the Bible.

The IBC is destined for wide use well into the 21st century.