Baptism is into Jesus which lets others know that you are a disciple of Jesus. Was it repentance, baptism, in the name of Jesus, two of them or all three of them that produce the remission of sins. So many scriptures state that believing in Jesus produces sins remission. Remission on sins that is to be preached is faith in Jesus. It's the calling upon Jesus that cleans sin.
Baptism is symbol for cleaning.
Paul was Baptized after his healing and being filled with the Holy Ghost. I thing he was forgiven of his sins before his baptism. The baptism confirmed who was his Lord. This is just like the above scripture showing a washing needed in the inner man. Noah was not saved by water, but by the ark.