The Twelve Apostles, as they are commonly called, were a group of twelve men who were chosen by Jesus Christ to be his closest followers and special witnesses of his divinity. They were chosen from among the common people, not rabbis, scholars, nor priestly officials, and were all of the same general characteristics and qualifications. The apostleship is an office and calling belonging to the Higher or Melchizedek Priesthood, and the Twelve did constitute a council or "quorum" having authority in the Church established by Jesus Christ. Their ordination marked the inauguration of an advanced epoch in the earthly ministry of Jesus, and they were specifically charged and sent forth to preach and to administer in the authority of their priesthood.

The Twelve Apostles were:

1. Simon Peter

2. Andrew

3. Philip

4. Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael)

5. Thomas

6. James, son of Alpheus

7. Lebbeus Thaddeus (also known as Judas the brother of James)

8. Simon Zelotes

9. Judas Iscariot

Each of the Twelve had their own unique characteristics and qualifications, but they all shared a common trait: they were willing to learn and be trained by Jesus. They were all chosen by Jesus himself, and they were all given the authority to preach and administer in his name. Despite their differences, they were all united in their belief in Jesus as the Son of God, and they were all committed to serving him and spreading his teachings.

The Twelve Apostles played a crucial role in the early Christian Church, and their legacy continues to be felt today. They were responsible for spreading Jesus' teachings throughout the world, and their example and leadership helped shape the course of Christianity. Their ordination marked a significant turning point in Jesus' ministry, as it signaled the beginning of his mission to establish his Church on earth.

In conclusion, the Twelve Apostles were a group of twelve men chosen by Jesus Christ to be his closest followers and special witnesses of his divinity. They were all chosen from among the common people, and they shared certain characteristics and qualifications that made them well-suited for their role in spreading Jesus' teachings throughout the world. Their legacy continues to be felt today, and they remain an important part of Christian history and tradition.