How did this teacher classify the Jewish believers in the early Acts period?
The early Acts Jewish believers were classified as Jewish believers under the covenant promises, not as Christians. Acts 11 shows the name “Christian” was first given to Gentile believers at Antioch, so it was refused for Jerusalem-centered Jewish believers. They resembled John the Baptist’s followers and those saved at Pentecost.
Les explains that the Word of God never calls the Jerusalem-centered Jewish believers Christians. He points out that Acts 11 says the Gentile believers at Antioch were first called Christians, and he refuses to follow theologians who ignore that statement. These Jewish believers were under the covenant promises, like John the Baptist’s followers, those under Christ’s ministry, and those saved at Pentecost. He argues a person cannot be called a Christian unless saved according to the Gospel of the grace of God—that Christ died for our sins, rose from the dead, and ascended.