Revelation 21:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The gates are on the four sides, three on each. This signifies the confession of the Most Holy Trinity by the four ends of the earth, which they received through the Life-giving Cross. The position of the gates in the form of a cross, after the pattern of the twelve oxen that held up Solomon's bronze sea (2 Chr 4:4), signifies the apostolic triad in fourfold form. They are preachers of the Holy Trinity, and they signify the spreading of the four Gospels to the four quarters of the world. Through this is formed the spiritual sea of holy baptism, fashioned by the spiritual Solomon and cleansing the sins of the world.

Then John says that the gates are divided into four groups: on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. He indicates that the four parts of the world receive the mystery of the Trinity. By the fact that the names of the patriarchs are written, he shows that the ancient hope has been fulfilled.

Since the city being described is the Church scattered throughout the whole world, it is said that the gates of the city are three on each of the four sides. For the mystery of the Trinity is preached in the Church to all four parts of the world.

It is said that there were three gates above at the four ends of the world. For the divine apostles ordered all things according to the Trinity, proclaiming Her to the nations as consubstantial and baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Mt 28:19).

This skillful description of the doors, in my opinion, seeks to indicate the mystery of the number twelve. Thus it represents either the number of the apostles or the perfection of the Church, since through her faith in the Holy Trinity has spread to the four quarters of the world.

The gates facing all the regions of the world signify that entry into the Kingdom of Heaven is open to all believing people living in every region of the world. The three gates on each side show the preaching and knowledge of the All-Holy Trinity in all the ends of the universe.

By what features does the seer of mysteries depict the New Jerusalem, which came down before his eyes from heaven? Here are some of these remarkable features.

“The city has the glory of God, and its light is like a most precious stone” (Rev 21:11). This signifies a certain special nearness of the Lord God to it, so that the whole city is illumined with divine light.

A high wall surrounds the city as a sign that no unworthy person can enter there. The same thought is expressed by the fact that Angels of God keep watch at its twelve gates.

The gates bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. For as these tribes on earth formed the society of God’s chosen people, so their names are also assigned to the chosen ones of heaven.