Why did Jesus have 12 disciples?

But why Jesus chose the Twelve is in need of serious reconsideration because the standard, eschatological explanation has rarely been examined. ... Nonetheless, it is reasonable because it is coherent with the fact that Jesus did associate himself especially with a group of twelve disciples. read more

Many who claimed to be His disciples rejected Him and left. Since the multitudes had turned away from their promised Messiah, Jesus began a six-month period of private instruction with the Twelve, those He would prepare for the time of this death, resurrection, and departure. read more

Jesus had many more Disciples than twelve. He had twelve Apostles. All Apostles are disciples, not all disciples are apostles. Disciple = "a learner" Apostle = "one who is sent forth as a messenger " The disciples were anyone that wanted to follow Jesus, the Apostles were appointed by Jesus after he dicerned which ones to pick by praying to the father. read more

The first reason Jesus had disciples was because He was a rabbi (pronounced ra-bye). "Rabbi" means teacher. read more