Acts 10:46-48

Notice in verse 45, it is termed "the gift of the Holy Spirit." The word "also" indicates the same "baptism" with the Holy Spirit as Peter and the apostles had received. So that was extend to the Gentiles as well.

In Acts 11:15-17, it is plainly described as the same "baptism" with the Holy Spirit that the apostles had received. Now these had received the "baptism" with the Spirit, is the way it is worded there in Acts 11.

Here is a definite, inspired command to be baptized in water.

The word "baptize" is a Greek word, not an English word. Since the New Testament was written in the Greek language when translating it into English, the translators left this Greek word untranslated. Literally, in the Greek, the word is "baptize." The definition of this word is "immerse." It means to plunge into or, put into. It does not mean "to sprinkle" or "to pour."

The Greek word for "sprinkle" is rantidzo, and "to pour" is cheo. The Holy Spirit inspired the use of the word baptizo, meaning immerse or, put into, not any of these other words. Therefore sprinkling or pouring is not baptizing!

True, at Cornelius' house they did receive the "baptism" with the Holy Spirit, and thereby were baptized by the Spirit into the church before water baptism—but Peter immediately commanded water baptism. This was a rare exception to the rule.

But there is no promise that anyone will receive the Holy Spirit until baptized in water—even though God in His wisdom and love may on rare occasions make an exception. The command is, "Repent, and be baptized"—and then, "you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."