The Fish Gate

This gate is a clear picture of evangelism. While the sheep gate represented salvation, and to an extent therefore also evangelism, the fish gate far more so. The first thing that new believers will do is tell people what has happened in their lives.

Nehemiah 3:3-5

3. But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
4. And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.
5. And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.

The classic connection between fish and evangelism is of course the call of Jesus to make his disciples fishers of men.

Matthew 4:18-20

18. And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
19. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
20. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

There are, however other pointers in these verses that also speak of evangelism. Firstly, the pricks, of the gospel
The builders of this gate were the sons of Hassenaah. Hassenaah means to prick, or to goad. When the spirit of God begins to prod at someone’s heart it is only a matter of time before they give in to the touch of the Lord. All too often we see evangelism as a task for us to perform, but whilst we do have to speak the words, it is Christ himself who is the only one who can change hearts. Especially hardened hearts.
In Acts we read of these same "pricks" in the conversion of Paul.

Acts 9:4-5

4. And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5. And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

It is the word of God that pricks the heart. Yes the spirit of God does the work, but the Spirit is like acid on the blade of the Word. First the Word is spoken into the situation, then it has effect.