Note 2 at Lk. 14:23: The Greek word used for "compel" here is "anagkazo" and it means "to constrain, whether by threat, entreaty, force or persuasion" (source: Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words by W.E. Vine). This very parable would prove that the Lord is not advocating us using force to convert people to Christianity because this man allowed those who rejected his invitation to not come. Therefore, it must be understood that the Lord is admonishing us to compel them to come in by our persuasion or entreaty.

However, this word "compel" does denote aggressiveness even in our persuading people. The church as a whole and all of us as individuals are not supposed to simply hang out our "shingle" and wait for the world to come to us. We are supposed to be aggressively going into all the world with the good news (Acts 1:8).

Notice also that the servants were told to go out quickly (v. 21). Just as in this parable where the date and time for this supper were set and there was an urgency in the master's command, likewise, we have an urgent command to be a witness because the time before our Lord's return is short (1 Cor. 7:29; Rev. 1:1; 22:6).