The people stood beholding (ιστηκε). Past perfect active of ιστημ, intransitive and like imperfect. A graphic picture of the dazed…

And the rulers also with them derided him.—Luke uses the generic term for the members of the Sanhedrin, whom Matthew spec…

And the rulers also with them derided him,

Laughed at him, made him the object of coarse jests.

St. John Chrysostom: Because the Lord had said, Pray for them that persecute you, He also did this when He ascended t…

Luke’s wording here suggests that the “people” (see comment on vv.13–16) are still passive rather than hostile, while everyone else, “even” the rul…

And the people stood beholding
This dismal and affecting sight; insulting and reviling him, and wagging their heads …

As soon as Christ was fastened to the cross, He prayed for those who crucified Him. The great thing He died to purchase and procure for us is the f…