One would hope the latter was more than a borderline cult, though.
Was the former a "borderline cult?" The original 12 Disciples were definitely "Jews for Jesus." Well, Judas was the traitor, but Saul of Tarsus (who became Paul), a "Jew's Jew," replaced him after Ascention and was definitely for Christ as well.
I don't follow your statement, and I don't want to put words in your mouth. What do you mean?