In the traditional, literally-interpreted view, the twelve disciples are seen as literal followers of Jesus—figures of history who walked beside a man from Nazareth. But through the symbolic understanding offered by Neville Goddard, we find something far more intimate and empowering. The disciples are not external companions; they are inner states of awareness, deliberately chosen to support the birth and unfolding of your desire.
Each one represents a spiritual quality or attitude you must assume to fully embody the wish fulfilled. These are not passive traits, but active consciousness shifts—inner movements of being that lead you from longing to living as if the desire were already real.
And crucially, they are chosen by Jesus.
In Neville’s teachings, Jesus symbolises your awakened imagination—your “I AM.” So the act of Jesus selecting the twelve is not incidental. It reflects your own conscious selection of supportive mental states. These twelve qualities are summoned by your awareness to assist in stabilising your assumption and sustaining your inner conviction.
Just as it is written, “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you” (John 15:16)—your deeper self chooses these states, not the other way round. You, as the I AM, hand-pick the inner attitudes that will serve the fulfilment of your desire.
1. Peter – Awareness of Faith
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18).
Peter represents foundational faith. It is your inner commitment to believe that imagination is the creative power. Peter is your willingness to walk on water—to trust the unseen.
2. Andrew – Awareness of Inner Movement
“Andrew... first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith... We have found the Messiah” (John 1:40–41).
Andrew’s immediacy shows readiness and eagerness to move toward the wish fulfilled. His inner movement reflects the shift from desire to assumption.
3. James the Elder – Awareness of Discernment
“James the son of Zebedee... he called them: And they left their father Zebedee… and went after him” (Mark 1:19–20).
James leaves behind inherited thinking ("the father") to follow higher awareness. This symbolises your discernment in choosing only thoughts aligned with your aim.
4. John – Awareness of Loving Union
“The disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23).
John represents emotional oneness. This is the inner state of love and fusion with the end—feeling the wish fulfilled as already accomplished.
5. Philip – Awareness of Vision
“Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father” (John 14:8).
Philip seeks vision and clarity. He reminds you to see imaginatively and to look beyond appearances toward the reality your heart sees first.
6. Bartholomew – Awareness of Inner Clarity
While little is recorded of Bartholomew, he is traditionally paired with Nathanael, of whom it is said:
“Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile” (John 1:47).
This represents purity of thought—clarity, sincerity, and trust in divine inner guidance.
7. Thomas – Awareness of Inner Proof
“Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands… be not faithless, but believing” (John 20:27).
Thomas represents the felt reality of inner evidence. You trust the inner conviction more than the outer facts.
8. Matthew – Awareness of Identity Shift
“And as Jesus passed forth... he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him” (Matthew 9:9).
Matthew leaves behind his role as tax collector—symbolising your abandonment of the old self-image and assumption of a new identity.
9. James the Less – Awareness of Divine Order
Though not much is said of James the Less, his name suggests humility and order.
“God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33).
He embodies inner awareness that manifestation happens in divine sequence. You do not force it—you trust the process.
10. Simon the Zealot – Awareness of Passionate Devotion
Simon was called a Zealot (Luke 6:15), indicating fervour.
His name reflects inner fire—emotional persistence that keeps your attention steady and alive toward the desired outcome.
11. Jude (Thaddeus) – Awareness of Praise
“Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ…” (Jude 1:1).
Jude, also called Thaddeus, represents gratitude and inner joy. Praise is not mere politeness—it is the atmosphere of the fulfilled soul.
12. Judas – Awareness of Total Surrender
“That thou doest, do quickly” (John 13:27).
Judas represents the final release of the old identity. He hands over the former self so that the new may rise. This is the surrender of doubt, fear, and delay.
The Inner Circle of Manifestation
When seen through Neville Goddard’s symbolic understanding, the disciples form not a cast of external characters, but an inner circle of support—a set of twelve spiritual attitudes that align you with the creative power of “I AM”. These states of awareness, once deliberately chosen and inhabited, bring forth the manifestation you seek.
You are not waiting for Jesus to walk beside you. You are awakening to the truth that he is your own wonderful human imagination—selecting and sending forth these inner qualities that whisper:
“It is finished.” (John 19:30)
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