Peter addresses the members of the council with respect. He recognizes and acknowledges that they have authority in Jerusalem and over matters of the Jewish religion. The term which he uses for rulers is also used in the Septuagint (the Greek Translation of the Old Testament) to refer to leaders in Psalm 118:9 and Psalm 2:2.1
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders,