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In order to explain the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles at Pentecost in Acts 2, Peter refers to a prophecy in Joel. This prophecy said that the Lord would pour out His "spirit upon all flesh" (Joel 2:28). This pouring out of the spirit is not linked to salvation. How do I know that? Because the prophecy goes on to say "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered" (Joel 2:32). Salvation would require action upon the part of the person in order to be saved.

In Acts 10, Peter says that the reception of the Holy Spirit by Cornelius was like the reception of the Holy Spirit that they had received. He was pointing back to Pentecost. If the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was not linked to salvation at Pentecost, then it was not linked to salvation in this instance either.

Then why would Peter link this manifestation to the salvation of Cornelius and household ?
Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45 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.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
... and in Peter's retelling ...
Acts 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

Peter never said they were saved because they had received the Holy Spirit in the same manner that the Apostles did. He realized that Gentiles were to be accepted, like the Jews, and salvation was available to them. That is why he commanded them to be baptized.

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