"At times the contentious battle is between the interests of the masses, the public,of the nation, of the people,and the interests of a special elite group, either family,cronies or political elements.

VOA: standard.2009.12.21

They did this because they didn't want the upper-class in Rome, who were the elite, they didn't want any one household, or any small group of households, to become too powerful.

因为他们不想罗马的上层阶级，即精英阶层，一户独大。

耶鲁公开课 - 新约课程节选

"I think it is safe to say he was surprised,". Less than a year after taking office, Mr.Obama is joining an elite group of recognized peacemakers that includes Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King,Jr.

VOA: standard.2009.10.09