John Calvin Commentary Acts 22:17

"And it came to pass, that, when I had returned to Jerusalem, and while I prayed in the temple, I fell into a trance," — Acts 22:17 (ASV)

And it came to pass. This would not have been the final conclusion if Paul had not been cut short by their outrageous outcries. Nevertheless, his main point and purpose plainly appear from the preceding context, for he begins to speak about his ministry to show that he did not depart from the Jews of his own accord, as if he, out of malice, withdrew from taking pains with them; but he was drawn to the Gentiles contrary to his expectation and purpose.

For he purposely came to Jerusalem so that he might impart to his own nation the grace that was committed to him. But when the Lord cuts off his hope of doing good, He drives him from there. However, there was a twofold offense that Paul attempts to address.

For they thought that the covenant of God was profaned if the Gentiles were to be admitted into the Church together with them, and nothing grieved the proud nation so much as others being preferred over them, or even being made equal with them. Therefore, Paul’s defense is this: that he was ready, as much as in him lay, to do them the best service he could; but he was afterward compelled by God’s commandment to go to the Gentiles, because God would not have him be idle in Jerusalem.

Whereas Erasmus translates it as "That I was carried out of myself," the Greek is, word for word, "That I was in a trance"; by this, Paul intended to establish the credibility of the divine message.

Also, the circumstances of the time and place confirm this, as the Lord appeared to him while he was praying in the temple. This was an excellent preparation for hearing the voice of God.

Concerning the manner of seeing, read what we discussed near the end of the seventh chapter.