Rulers, such as were called the chief men of the city, Act_13:50.
To use them despitefully; thus they that were called to the marriage of the king’s son, Mat_22:6, entreated the servants despitefully.
And to stone them; they would have used them as such who were not worthy to live, and then have taken away their lives from them, as they did by our Saviour; first they spat upon him, and then crucified him.