Cornelius was saved AND received the Holy Spirit and was then baptized by Peter ONLY AFTER he was convinced that Cornelius and household WAS saved and had the Spirit.
Acts 10
43 All the prophets testify about him that
everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” NO WATER HERE
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.
45 The circumcised
believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.
46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said,
47 “Surely
no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”
How are any of these verses wrong? Please advise.
Sure. Quote the antiquated and rather unclear KJV.
New International Version
and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Berean Study Bible
And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
International Standard Version
Baptism, which is symbolized by that water, now saves you also, not by removing dirt from the body, but by asking God for a clear conscience based on the resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah,
New Heart English Bible
This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you--not the removal of dirt from the body, but an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
World English Bible
This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you--not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Nic at nite couldn't possibly have understood anything about Christian water baptism, since at that time, only the baptism of John was done, a baptism of repentance. So "born of water" refers to human birth.
Jesus spoke of 2 births in v.5; physical birth and spiritual birth. iow, one must be born and born again to enter the kingdom of God.
Clearly John was asking for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The order is clear: making disciples is evangelism, and what follows is water baptism, as an act of obedience and experiential sanctification.
The account of Acts 10:43-47 refutes your application of Acts 2:38 to anyone outside that crowd.