Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” addresses the clergymen’s claims by encouraging Americans to support his journey to civil rights. King supports his letter by providing biblical allusions, logical views, and personal experiences. The author’s purpose is to convince the clergymen of his views on segregation. King’s ultimate goal is to end segregation by exercising peaceful demonstrations. King appeals to his audience of white moderates by providing examples of injustice in Birmingham and reminding them that he was invited to be there. King introduces his letter by proving he is not an “outsider coming in” (1; par 2). He provides his reasons for protesting in Birmingham by establishing his credibility as the president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Through this organization, King was invited to engage in a non-violent act to call attention to the injustice being committed. King further states his reasons for being in Birmingham by comparing himself to the Apostle Paul. He makes this connection by suggesting that he, like Paul, is “compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond [his] hometown” (1; par 3). King argues “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” (1; par 3). He attempts to connect with his audience by finding common ground. He utilizes the references of Paul to achieve this goal. By appealing to his audience’s biblical knowledge and passion, he attempts to explain that his motives are honorable. King tries to express his belief that his passion and enthusiasm are needed in Birmingham just like Paul was needed in “the Macedonian call for aid” (1; par 3). Next, King addresses the clergymen’s claim that he should negotiate instead of protest. He provides the four basic steps utilized in all nonviolent campaigns, the second step being negotiation. King points out that the city of Birmingham is one of the most segregated cities in the United Stat