Dr King begins his response by justifying his reasons for being in Birmingham. He presents an argument through analogy by comparing his situation to that of the apostle Paul. How does that analogy help justify his presence in Birmingham?

King references the apostle Paul in that that things happen in "due time" in the context of God's divine Plan. Much like St. Paul was summoned by the Macedonian to spread the word of God, King believed that he he was called to Birmingham to spread a different kind of truth.

I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.