Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 22:6

"and the rest laid hold on his servants, and treated them shamefully, and killed them." — Matthew 22:6 (ASV)

Entreated them spitefully — The Greek word implies the wanton infliction of outrage. The parable at this stage looks forward as well as backward, and it seems to include the sufferings of Christian preachers and martyrs as well as those of the prophets who were sent to Israel.