A Seventh-day Adventist publishing house has released a study Bible, the first of its kind featuring unique study notes and commentary from Adventist Bible scholars around the world.

The Andrews Study Bible, released by Andrews University Press, went on sale June 10 and is set for an international introduction at the denomination's World Session in Atlanta later this month.

The publication uses the New King James version and includes more than 12,000 original study notes written by an international team of Adventist scholars. The volume includes navigational tools, articles, helps, cross-references, maps and a unique, linked reference system highlighting main themes of the Christian faith.

"All of this is to make Bible reading and understanding more accessible and easier," said Niels-Erik Andreasen, chair of the project's committee and president of the church's Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

The project was conceived in 2007 when leaders at the church's world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, considered whether such a tool would promote Bible study among its membership and the community. They cited studies showing that only about half of members regularly studied the Bible. Around the same time, leaders also developed the Follow The Bible campaign, which for two years has sent a large, multi-language Bible around the world promoting Bible study.

Andreasen said contributing scholars for the new study Bible clearly understood their job was to write for lay readers.

"This is a practical study Bible the lay reader can really use to understand the depth of scripture," he said. "We've tried to bring light and depth to our understanding of the truth in God's word."

The Andrews Study Bible takes its name from Adventist mission pioneer John Nevins Andrews, from which the university and publishing house also take their name.

The volume was edited by Jon L. Dybdahl, professor emeritus of Biblical studies at Walla Walla University, in consultation with the church's Biblical Research Institute.

The June 17 issue of the Adventist Review is carrying a five-page cover feature about the work.

Andrews University is an institution directly affiliated with the church's world headquarters.

For more information or to purchase a copy, visit andrewsstudybible.com.