Chapter 4: The Fish Gate – Evangelism and the Call to Discipleship
The city of Jerusalem, as restored under Nehemiah, reveals more than a historical record—it uncovers a divine pattern. Each of its gates carries spiritual symbolism. The Fish Gate, one of the earliest gates to be rebuilt (Nehemiah 3:3), speaks profoundly to the believer’s mission in the world. This chapter explores the Fish Gate as a symbol of evangelism and the believer’s call to discipleship, showing how these two inseparable aspects of Christian living are foundational to walking in alignment with Heaven’s design.
1. Biblical Context of the Fish Gate
The Fish Gate was named likely because fishermen from Galilee would bring their catch through it to sell in the markets of Jerusalem. In Nehemiah’s time, it represented commerce and movement—life flowing into the city. Spiritually, this gateway points to Christ’s call to make fishers of men (Matthew 4:19). In the order of the gates restored, the Fish Gate follows the Sheep Gate (representing salvation), indicating that once a believer receives redemption, they are immediately called to share it.
2. Evangelism – The First Fruit of Salvation
When Jesus called His disciples, He said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This wasn’t just a poetic metaphor; it was a mission. The moment one steps through the Sheep Gate—representing salvation—they are to walk toward the Fish Gate, which speaks of purpose. Evangelism isn’t the task of the few, but the responsibility of all. The Fish Gate reminds us that evangelism is not optional in the life of a believer; it is the natural overflow of a heart transformed by grace.
True evangelism flows from encounter. When believers truly grasp the depths of what Christ has done for them, the desire to share that truth becomes irresistible. Evangelism isn’t about technique—it’s about testimony. The Fish Gate calls every believer to lift their eyes beyond personal salvation and toward the spiritual hunger around them.
3. The Call to Discipleship
Evangelism and discipleship are two sides of the same coin. Jesus never called people to make converts; He called them to make disciples. Discipleship is the lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus, and it requires intentional investment. Just as fish must be cleaned, prepared, and made useful, so must new believers be nurtured, taught, and equipped.
The Fish Gate invites us into this sacred task. Sharing the Gospel is just the beginning. Walking someone through the process of discipleship—through teaching, prayer, community, and accountability—is the ongoing journey. The early Church in Acts modeled this beautifully: they didn’t just preach, they lived together, broke bread together, and grew in the apostles’ teaching.
4. Barriers to Evangelism and Discipleship
Despite its importance, many believers struggle with evangelism. Fear, insecurity, or lack of knowledge often serve as barriers. The Fish Gate teaches us that we are not called to save people—Jesus does that. We are simply called to throw the net. Sharing your faith becomes less intimidating when you realize that the outcome is not your responsibility—obedience is.
Similarly, discipleship can be messy and demanding. It requires time, vulnerability, and commitment. Yet it is precisely through that commitment that transformation occurs. The Fish Gate doesn’t promise ease—it promises eternal impact.
5. Restoring the Fish Gate in Today’s Church
In many churches today, the Fish Gate lies neglected. Evangelism is often outsourced to a few, and discipleship is reduced to programs instead of relationships. But the early Church thrived through personal witness and intentional growth. Restoring the Fish Gate today means prioritizing relational evangelism and holistic discipleship.
It starts in the heart. Ask yourself: Who am I praying for? Who am I walking with spiritually? Restoring the Fish Gate means shifting from a consumer mentality in church to a co-laborer mindset. It means we stop attending church and start being the Church.
Churches must train and equip believers not only to share their faith but to mentor and multiply. Jesus’ model of discipleship involved walking with twelve men, pouring His life into them. The Fish Gate challenges today’s leaders to invest deeply and intentionally.
6. Modern-Day “Fishers of Men”
In a digital world, evangelism looks different—but the mission remains. Social media, podcasts, YouTube, and other platforms offer unprecedented opportunities to cast the net wide. Yet, the heart remains the same. The Fish Gate of today must be approached with prayerful creativity. Whether it’s sharing your testimony over coffee or creating online Bible content, the call is unchanged: go and make disciples.
Believers are not called to live in spiritual isolation but to influence their spheres with the love and truth of Christ. The Fish Gate reminds us that God’s kingdom grows not just through platforms, but through people.
7. Personal Application: Walking Through the Fish Gate
Ask yourself today: Am I standing at the Fish Gate, or have I retreated into comfort and passivity? Who has God placed in my life that needs to hear the Gospel? Who could I invite into deeper discipleship?
Walking through the Fish Gate means stepping beyond self-focused faith. It’s choosing to carry the message of redemption into the world around you. Evangelism and discipleship are not seasonal—they are lifelong calls. You don’t have to be perfect to lead someone. You just need to be willing.
Conclusion: Living the Mission
The Fish Gate is a powerful reminder that the Christian journey doesn’t end at salvation—it begins there. Evangelism and discipleship are the lifeblood of the Church’s mission. Jesus is still calling fishers of men, and He is still walking the shores of ordinary lives, inviting people to follow Him into the great and glorious work of building the Kingdom.
Let the Fish Gate be rebuilt in your life. Let your heart be stirred with fresh urgency to reach the lost and invest in the found. And let every step beyond the Sheep Gate lead you through the Fish Gate, where purpose and passion meet in Christ’s command: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Understanding the spiritual significance of The Fish Gate helps believers embrace their role in evangelism and discipleship. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of this calling, our Jesus for Everyone devotional series offers clear, Christ-centered reflections on walking faithfully through each biblical gate. For additional resources on how to share your faith effectively, check out Cru’s guide to evangelism, which provides practical tools for outreach. As you grow in your journey, let the message of The Fish Gate challenge and equip you to go beyond belief—and live as a disciple-maker.