Again, for purposes of context, we will begin the quote with verse 34 and continue through verse 48, "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."
We should pay very close attention to the words Peter said to Cornelius concerning the life of Jesus Christ, he said, "That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the BAPTISM which JOHN PREACHED;"
By using the term "baptism", Peter was referring to the doctrine that John taught, not water immersion. John didn't preach about water immersion, he preached a message that was in itself a "baptism", something his listeners could immerse themselves into, or learn.
The usages that are found in verses 47 and 48 both obviously intend water as the medium into which Cornelius and his family were to be immersed, this is evidenced by the fact that Peter asked, "Can any man forbid WATER, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"
It is especially important to note that the Holy Ghost was bestowed upon Cornelius and his family BEFORE they received water "baptism". Since it it scripturally impossible for the unsaved to receive the Holy Ghost, it is obvious that Cornelius and his family were saved (Baptized into the name of Jesus Christ and had, through faith, put on Christ.) before receiving water "baptism" thereby disproving the notion that the lost (Nonbelievers) must be immersed into water before that they can receive eternal salvation.
The last two of these usages relate to water as the intended medium, the first implies a doctrine ("baptism which John preached.") as the medium.~
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