Author   Matthew: Circulated anonymously until the second century a.d., when it was attributed to Matthew

Type of work   Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts: Gospel, historical narrative

Language  Greek

Time and place written   Matthew: 85–90 a.d. in Antioch of Syria

Major conflict   Matthew: Israel’s rejection of Jesus

Themes The New Testament’s relation to the Old Testament; salvation for social outcasts; salvation through faith in Christ

Motif Geography

Symbols  The kingdom of heaven; the Good Samaritan; water, bread, and light; the olive tree; the body