# these things
This refers to the days of tribulation. Alternate translation: "these things I have just described" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit]])
# recognize that he is near
Many modern translations read, "you recognize" or "you know." It is not clear whether Jesus is stating a fact or issuing a command.
# he is near
"the Son of Man is near"
# close to the gates
This idiom means that he is very near and has almost arrived, referring to a traveler being close to arriving at the city gates. Alternate translation: "and is almost here" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-idiom]])