The number “twelve” plays a significant role in redemptive history. God’s OT people were made up of twelve tribes (according to the twelve sons of Jacob). Jesus appointed twelve disciples to form the basis for his NT church. In the present passage concerning the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9 – 22:5) the number “twelve” appears twelve times. The number “twelve” symbolizes the fullness of God’s redeemed people; recall Revelation 14:4–5. That there are “twelve” gates indicates that the full number of the elect have access to the eternal safety of God’s redemption in Jesus Christ.
12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed