Figurative is something that shouldn't be taking literally. For example, when you say "I have a ton of homework" you don't really mean you have 2000 pounds of homework.
This newspaper claims that there is a $50,000 reward for something. This is a very convincing appeal, and people would likely buy the newspaper in order to discover how they can earn the reward. However, this is simply a trick to attract readers, as the reward is metaphorical. It is a device used to comment on how the Maine (a ship) was thought to have been destroyed by the Spanish.
The correct answer is the lower and urban classes
Anyone who was in a position of power disliked Christianity and didn't want it because they feared they would lose their power since the people would stop respecting them and start following a foreign person. That's why the Romans hated Jesus.