The New Jerome Biblical Commentary is just that: a commentary to be used in studying the Scriptures. It is aimed at anyone interested in religion and theology, lay and clergy alike. It contains a verse-by-verse commentary on all books in the Bible, complemented by topical articles. These present thoroughly up-to-date background information that is essential for full appreciation of the texts, at the same time offering the reader a wider perspective. She or he will find, for instance, articles on the historical Jesus and the early Church. The authors of these are both lay and clergy, and include a number of distinguished women writers.