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The concept of Gate in Christianity

In Vaishnavism, the term "Gate" signifies a specific location where the fierce elephant Kuvalayapida is stationed, prepared to confront adversaries. This setting highlights the intense confrontations depicted in the narratives, showcasing the symbolic and literal challenges faced by characters within the tradition. The placement of Kuvalayapida at the Gate emphasizes the strategic and dramatic elements characteristic of such mythological themes.1
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Synonyms: Barrier, Entrance, Portal, Doorway, Opening, Gateway

In Dutch: Hek; In Swedish: Gate; In German: Tor; In Spanish: Puerta; In Malay: Gerbang; In Finnish: Portti; In French: Grille

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Gate'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The entry point between the two walls, which was used by the men of war to flee out of the city by night, emphasizing the details of their escape during the conflict.[1] (2) The structures that were built to strengthen defenses, highlighting the need for preparedness and protection.[2] (3) This is the location of the well, near the individual's native place, where he had watered his flock.[3] (4) This is the place where the initial promise of the sale of flour and barley was made, and where the four lepers entered, indicating a place of potential interaction.[4] (5) This is a metaphor for the barriers and challenges that people encounter, and that require support and effort to overcome them.[5]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) This is the location where Abimelech was heading a party to burn down when he was struck by a stone.[6] (2) Watchmen's post was located at these places, indicating a strategic placement for providing signals and information.[7] (3) A gate functions as an entry point, acting as an entrance to enclosed areas like buildings, dwelling-houses, and even entire towns, serving various purposes and found in different contexts throughout history.[8] (4) The gates represent the entry points of the city, which Judith requested be opened for her, enabling her plan to unfold.[9]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) Colossal statues of Rameses the Great are one on each side of this, as mentioned in the text's description.[10] (2) The gate served as a location for various activities, including business, discussions, transactions, and news dissemination, as well as legal proceedings, addresses, and the reading of laws, alongside the administration of justice.[11] (3) The setting up of the gates is mentioned in relation to the feast, the joy, and the building of the walls, according to the text.[12]

From: Hymns for Christian Devotion

(1) These are entrances that appear, symbolizing access to a different realm and inspiring a deeper comprehension of existence.[13] (2) It means to be alert and attentive to the divine guidance, and be present at the designated location, ready to respond to the call.[14]

From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus

(1) The location near the city where Jesus encountered a funeral procession, setting the stage for a miraculous intervention and display of power.[15]

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) These are the metaphorical barriers that cannot prevail against the rock or the church, as they are stronger than any opposing force.[16] (2) The author wants to be welcomed at these locations, to avoid chaos, so that they can enter together without causing a disturbance.[17] (3) These were ordered to be lifted up, and later were attempted to be shut by impious officers, indicating a point of entry or access that is significant to the narrative.[18] (4) The gates are where her husband is eminent and is praised, according to the text.[19] (5) The text speaks of opening the gates of a city to brethren, destroying all the men and their substance, and casting down their walls, during a night operation.[20]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Book of the Bee

(1) This is a point where a guardian was stationed.[21]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis

(1) This is one of the duties that St. Francis assigned to Friar Masseo, along with the kitchen and alms-giving, representing a practical task to be performed as an act of service and potentially a means of humbling the individual.[22]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Gnostic concept of 'Gate'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: Pistis Sophia

(1) This is where Zorokothora Melchisedec leads the lights to those of the Midst.[23] (2) A specific opening that, when revealed, indicates the completion of a period, and its opening will be recognized by all in the aeons due to the presence of the Great Light.[24] (3) An opening within the firmament that the subject approached, causing it to shake and open, as described in the passage.[25] (4) These are of the Light, and the excellent mystery leads to them, suggesting a gateway to the divine.[26]

From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten

(1) The Gate is where the Great Light shines, and the righteous enter in, and he who had hitherto thought himself Lord of Creation, perceived that there was one above him.[27] (2) The Gates are the entrances to the Light-treasure, which open to the souls that have received the Mystery of the Forgiveness of Sins, where the Wardens give them their seals and their Great Name.[28]