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Tim Maas
In my opinion, the "gates of hell" is not referring to an identifiable physical object or location, but is expressing the idea that all efforts of Satan and his demonic forces to prevent the achievement of eternal life on the part of the saints who would comprise the church (as well as the resurrection of Jesus Himself) would be unsuccessful, based on Peter's (and the Church's) recognition and public confession of Jesus as the Son of God.
Jack Gutknecht
Matthew 16:18 What are the “gates of hell”? I have the fondest memories of “gates” at what used to be my grandmother’s resort, “Wisowa.” Now this wooded resort on the Somo River is owned by our family and is no longer a resort. Wisowa has 2 gates, one for the Entrance, and another for the Exit. This prevented unauthorized people from entering or at least impeded them for a time. “Gates” represent, in the Bible, authority, and power. The city gate was to a Jew what city hall is to people in the Western world. Important business was transacted at the city gate (Deut. 16:18; 17:8; Ruth 4:11). “The gates of hades” then would symbolize the organized power of death and Satan. By His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ would conquer death, so that death would not be able to hold any of His people. Christ would “storm the gates” and deliver the captives! This declaration certainly is verified by 1 Corinthians 15:50ff., Hebrews 2:14-15, and other Scriptures. https://bethelchurchmuncie.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/wiersbe-commentary-new-testament.pdf The New Living Translation of Matthew 16:18 quotes Jesus as saying, "Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means 'rock'), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell [‘gates of hell’, KJV] will not conquer it.” “Will not conquer it” means that the church will not be defeated by the attacks of Satan (Mt 11:12; 13:24-30, 36-43). NLTPSB
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