The purpose of a gate is to permit entry into the city. By having the twelve gates face equally in all four directions, the Lord makes clear that people from any direction of the globe—and hence every corner—are equally welcome in this city. This recalls the promise God gave to Israel’s founding father Abraham: “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3; see also Psalm 87:1–7; Ephesians 2:11–13). This gets personal for us; no matter where we live or come from (that is, whichever nation or race we belong to), the city stands open to us (Revelation 20:15). This is truly a global city. Or better, this is a catholic church!
13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates.