[ealgeone]

The 3000 were saved prior to being baptized, Cornelius was saved prior to baptism, the Samaritans were saved prior to baptism, the Ethiopian eunuch was saved prior to baptism.

If you look at the process of salvation in the NT it follows along these lines:

Hear the word

Believe the word leading to repentance and receiving the Holy Spirit

Baptize

Do you really think that Peter, who was witness to the 3000, Cornelius and the Samaritans would all of a sudden say that "just baptizing", that is getting dunked with no change, no repentance, would save someone?

Noah and his family were saved because of their...wait for it...faith in God and His ability to deliever them.

Baptism is the expression of that faith in God and His ability to save you.

A person is believing a false narrative if they think just going under the water and getting wet is what saves them. Without faith and repentance, it just makes them a wet sinner.

[paladinan]

The 3000 were saved prior to being baptized, Cornelius was saved prior to baptism, the Samaritans were saved prior to baptism, the Ethiopian eunuch was saved prior to baptism.

Question: can you please show me the exact place in the text where it says that any of these people were SAVED at those times that you mention? I don't see that, anywhere.

Do you really think that Peter, who was witness to the 3000, Cornelius and the Samaritans would all of a sudden say that "just baptizing", that is getting dunked with no change, no repentance, would save someone?

No; repentance is a necessary PRECONDITION for Baptism (of anyone who's attained the age of reason). That's Why St. Peter said, when the crowds begged him about what to do, "REPENT, *AND* be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins [...]".

Noah and his family were saved because of their...wait for it...faith in God and His ability to deliever them.

Yes... and? Read 1 Peter 3:19 for a description of the holy, righteous people who were "in prison" but awaiting their release into Heaven.

Baptism is the expression of that faith in God and His ability to save you.

That puts me in a dilemma: should I accept eagleone's view on that, or the Bible's? See 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 2 (which you just referenced!), etc.