In fact, they were not only saved but they were filled with the Holy Ghost almost at the same
time (Acts 11:14,15). In other words, after salvation, they didn't have time to get "ready" to
receive the Holy Spirit; they didn't wait or tarry for the Holy Ghost. They received the Holy Spirit
immediately without having to get "ready" (Acts 10:30-48).
In recounting this experience to the apostles and brethren in Jerusalem, Peter explained that
those in Cornelius' household received the Word that was p reached to them and were saved.
Then they were immediately filled with the Holy Spirit.
ACTS 11:11-15
11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I
was, sent from Caesa area unto me.
12 And the spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren
accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house. ...
13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said
unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be SAVED.
15 And as I [Peter] began to speak, THE HOLY GHOST FELL ON THEM, as on us at the
beginning.
Also, there is something in Acts 10:45 and 46 that tells us that speaking in tongues goes hand
in hand with the baptism in the Holy Ghost.
ACTS 10:45,46
45 And they of the circumcision which believed [the Jewish believers] were astonished,
as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out THE
GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST.
46 FOR THEY HEARD THEM SPEAK WITH TONGUES, AND MAGNIFY GOD....
You see, if it hadn't been for the evidence of speaking with tongues, the Jewish believers
would never have accepted the Gentiles into the Church, because speaking in tongues is what
convinced the Jews that the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles! It was strictly a
Jewish Church up until then.
Even Peter himself didn't know that the Gentiles could be saved until he had the vision which is
recorded in Acts chapter 10. When the Holy Ghost was poured out upon the Gentiles, it
astonished the Jewish believers who accompanied Peter to Cornelius' house.
Why Wait To Receive a Gift?
Thank God, God showed me His Word on the subject, so I knew I didn't have to wait or tarry
before I could be filled with the Holy Spirit. I saw in God's Word that if believers in the Book of
Acts didn't have to wait to receive the Holy Spirit, then I didn't have to wait either.
I also knew that when I received the Holy Spirit, I would speak in tongues. When I told this Full
Gospel pastor, "I've come here to receive the Holy Ghost," and he said to wait, I blurted out,
"But it won't take me long to receive!"