<p>1:23 <i>And it came to pass, when his time of service was ended, he went to his home</i>- This could suggest that he retired from the priesthood. The raising of John the Baptist and preparation for Messiah were perceived by him as more important than continuing the Mosaic rituals. &quot;Ended&quot; is the same word used for how Zacharias and Elisabeth were &quot;filled&quot; with the Spirit (:41,67). We surely have here a hint at the passing over from the ministry of the law to that of the Spirit.</p>