What does "gates" mean?
NIV Matthew 16:
The gates represent the entrance and exit points of the stronghold of Hades. Hades is compared to a city. The gates are the positions reinforced by powerful defenses.
The church represents the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God advances against Hades, attacks its gates, and prevails over them.
The body of Christ (the church) spreads the gospel to people who are spiritually dead (in Hades). The power of Hades cannot stop this advance. Some will believe and enter the kingdom of heaven:
NIV Matthew 16:
I.e., The church will overcome the gates of Hades.18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
The gates represent the entrance and exit points of the stronghold of Hades. Hades is compared to a city. The gates are the positions reinforced by powerful defenses.
The church represents the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God advances against Hades, attacks its gates, and prevails over them.
The body of Christ (the church) spreads the gospel to people who are spiritually dead (in Hades). The power of Hades cannot stop this advance. Some will believe and enter the kingdom of heaven:
Hades will be unable to lock up the people inside by its gates. The dead will rise to receive the keys to heaven.19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be d bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be e loosed in heaven.”