“I am the Gate. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9 ESV
In biblical times, sheep and goats were a primary source of wealth, food, and trade. The owner of a small flock counted his sheep, searched for any that were missing, and protected them at night in a corral or enclosure. Such enclosures had a gate (sometimes “door”) through which the flock would enter in the evening and go out in the morning. Pasture during the day and protection during the night, made possible by passing through the gate.
Jesus used this common cultural image, describing Himself as the Gate. Through Him would His sheep (followers) be saved and find abundant spiritual nourishment.
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 NKJV).