John Calvin Commentary Acts 25:23

"So on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and they were entered into the place of hearing with the chief captains and principal men of the city, at the command of Festus Paul was brought in." — Acts 25:23 (ASV)

And on the morrow. Agrippa and his sister do not come like humble disciples of Christ, but they bring with them such pomp and splendor that it might stop their ears and blind their eyes; and it is to be supposed that a similar haughtiness of mind accompanied that splendid and great pomp.

It is no wonder, therefore, that they were not brought to obey Christ. Nevertheless, it seems that Luke mentions the pomp so that we might know that, in a large assembly and before select witnesses whose authority was great, Paul was granted permission not only to plead his case as a defendant but also to preach the gospel.

For he comes forth as a teacher, so that he may set forth the name of Christ. So, the truth of God broke out of his bonds and was immediately spread abroad everywhere freely; indeed, it even came to us.

By this word φαντασια, Luke understands what we commonly call "preparation" or "pomp." But other kinds of preparation must be brought to the spiritual marriage of Jesus Christ.