The Sequence: Peter Shows How to Write a Logical, Persuasive Argument

Award-winning writer Kathy Widenhouse has helped hundreds of nonprofits and writers produce successful content and has gained 600K+ views for her writing tutorials. She is the author of 9 books. See more of Kathy’s content here.

An online devotional for writers

A Word From The Word

Peter began speaking and proceeded to explain in an orderly sequence. (Acts 11:4, NASB)

A Word For Writers

Peter shows how to write a persuasive sequence that moves your reader to act.

A sequence is a series of related facts, events, or items. It is a powerful tool when you’re writing persuasive content.

Peter modeled the sequence beautifully when he made a presentation to the early church leaders. 

These leaders heard that Peter had met with Gentiles, ate with them, and shared about Jesus with them. In doing so, Peter violated Old Testament laws of ceremonial cleanliness. He, a Jew, had eaten with Gentiles! The leaders demanded an explanation.

Peter needed to present a convincing, persuasive argument to help the leaders understand what he did and why he did it. The future of the fledgling church was at stake.

So Peter gave the leaders an orderly sequence of events.

• He received a thrice-repeated vision from God
• Three Gentile messengers “coincidentally” arrived at his location soon after the vision
• The Holy Spirit directed Peter to travel with the messengers to share the gospel with Gentiles
• The Gentiles received the gospel
• The Gentiles received the Holy Spirit

Peter’s logical, orderly presentation moved the church leaders to act. They embraced the Gentiles’ conversion as a movement of God.

The sequence of facts convinced them.

A Wise Word

An orderly sequence of facts presents a persuasive argument.

A Word To Pray

Heavenly Father,

You are a God of logic and order. As I write to persuade my reader, show me how to present facts in an orderly sequence. Let me be clear and truthful so they understand and take action.

In Jesus’s name, Amen.

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