Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 1:22

"And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: and he continued making signs unto them, and remained dumb." — Luke 1:22 (ASV)

Had seen a vision. The word vision means sight, appearance, or spectre, and is commonly applied to spirits, or to beings from another world. When he came out of the temple, it is probable that they suspected that something of this nature had detained him there, and that, when they inquired of him, he indicated with a nod that this was the case. He was unable to speak, and they had no way of "perceiving" it except by such a sign. Regarding the word vision, see the notes on Isaiah 1:1.

For he beckoned unto them. That is, by beckoning to them, or by a sign, he informed them of what he had seen.