On the day of Pentecost, Peter told the people that if they stopped sinning, repented, asked forgiveness from God, and received baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, they would "receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (2:38; see also 19:1–7).
As Cornelius and his household listened to Peter's message, they received the Holy Spirit just like the Jews had earlier. This event confirmed again that God did not favor one group over another (10:34–35). This event is similar to the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem (2:1–47). It shows that the power of the Holy Spirit now came to the Gentiles as well (1:8; 2:39).