Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, gates served as significant architectural and symbolic elements within cities and structures, including prisons. Gates were not merely functional but also held cultural and spiritual significance. They were often seen as points of transition, security, and authority.Function and Symbolism Gates in ancient cities, including those of prisons, were crucial for protection and control. They were typically constructed from durable materials such as wood reinforced with metal, ensuring they could withstand attempts at forced entry or escape. The strength and security of a gate were paramount, especially in the context of a prison, where the primary purpose was to confine individuals securely. In the Bible, gates often symbolize authority and judgment. They were places where leaders and elders would gather to make decisions and administer justice. This symbolism extends to prison gates, which represent the authority of the law and the confinement of those who have transgressed it. Biblical References The Bible contains several references to gates in the context of imprisonment. One notable example is found in the account of Peter's miraculous escape from prison in the Book of Acts. In Acts 12:10 , it is written: "They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city, which opened for them by itself. They went outside and walked the length of one street, and suddenly the angel left him." This passage highlights the divine intervention that can transcend even the most secure human barriers. Another significant mention is in the account of Paul and Silas in Acts 16. After being imprisoned, an earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, and "at once all the doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose" (Acts 16:26). Here, the opening of the prison gates signifies God's power to liberate and deliver His servants from bondage. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, prison gates can be seen as metaphors for spiritual bondage and the barriers that separate humanity from freedom in Christ. The miraculous opening of these gates in the biblical narratives serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to break through any physical or spiritual confinement. The imagery of gates also extends to the eschatological hope found in Revelation, where the New Jerusalem is described with gates that are never shut (Revelation 21:25). This symbolizes the eternal security and openness of God's kingdom, contrasting with the restrictive nature of earthly prison gates. Conclusion While gates in the context of prisons were designed for security and confinement, the biblical narrative often uses them to illustrate themes of divine intervention, liberation, and the ultimate authority of God over human institutions. Through these accounts, believers are reminded of the power of God to open doors and break chains, both physically and spiritually. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 12:10When they were past the first and the second ward, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel departed from him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Christ the Breaker How the Zealots when they were Freed from the Idumeans, Slew a ... Heavenly Contemplation Exemplified, and the Whole Work Concluded. Hillis -- God the Unwearied Guide The Great Teacher Thanksgiving to God for Deliverance from the Evils Expected Owing ... Hymns of Hope and Consolation. The Gladness of the Man of Sorrows God Reigns in a Pure Heart. Samson Conquered Resources Are there pearly gates in heaven? | GotQuestions.orgHow could the laws of God be written on doorframes, gates, and foreheads? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of gatekeepers in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gates of Cities: Battering Rams Used Against Gates of Cities: Chief Places of Concourse Gates of Cities: Chief Points of Attack in War Gates of Cities: Conferences Held At Gates of Cities: Councils of State Held At Gates of Cities: Courts of Justice Held At Gates of Cities: Criminals Punished At Gates of Cities: Custom of Sitting At, in the Evening, Alluded To Gates of Cities: Experienced officers Placed Over Gates of Cities: Idolatrous Rites Performed At Gates of Cities: Land Redeemed At Gates of Cities: Markets Held At Gates of Cities: Often Razed and Burned Gates of Cities: Proclamations Made At Gates of Cities: Public Censure Passed At Gates of Cities: Public Commendation Given At Gates of Cities: Shut at Night-Fall Gates of Cities: Troops Reviewed At, Going to War Gates of Jerusalem: Corner Gate Gates of Jerusalem: Gate of Ephraim Gates of Jerusalem: Gate of Miphkad Gates of Jerusalem: Gate of the Fountain Gates of Jerusalem: High Gate of Benjamin Gates of Jerusalem: Horse Gate Gates of Jerusalem: Sheep Gate Gates of Jerusalem: Valley Gate Gates of Jerusalem: Water Gate Gates of the Powers of Hell (Hades) Gates of the Temple: Called Gates of Righteousness Gates of the Temple: Called Gates of the Lord Gates of the Temple: Called Gates of Zion Gates of the Temple: Charge of, Given by Lot Gates of the Temple: Frequented by Beggars Gates of the Temple: Levites the Porters of Gates of the Temple: One Specially Beautiful Gates of the Temple: Overlaid With Gold Gates of the Temple: The Pious Israelites Delighted to Enter Gates of the Temple: The Treasury Placed At Gates: (Of Heaven) Access to God Gates: (Of Hell) Satan's Power Gates: (Strait) the Entrance to Life Gates: (Wide) the Entrance to Ruin Gates: Bodies of Criminals Exposed to View At Gates: Carcase of Sin-Offering Burned Without Gates: Conferences on Public Affairs Gates: Criminals Generally Punished Without Gates: Fastened With Bars of Iron Gates: Holding Courts of Justice Gates: Jails Made in the Towers of Gates: Place for Public Concourse Gates: Punishment of Criminals Outside of Gates: Religious Services Held At Gates: The Open Square of, a Place for Idlers Gates: The Place for the Transaction of Public Business, Announcement of Legal Transactions Related Terms |
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