What were the Gentile forefathers steeped in?
The Gentile forefathers were steeped in idolatry. They were also steeped in paganism, superstition, and fear. They did not have the freedom that believers have. This is the darkness Paul alludes to when he says the fall of them created the spiritual riches of the Gentile world.
Les explains that Paul is alluding to this when he says the fall of them created the spiritual riches of the Gentile world. He points out that our forefathers were steeped in idolatry, paganism, superstition, and fear, and they did not have the freedom believers have. He contrasts that with the spiritual joy and joy unspeakable seen even in poverty, and with Christianity, which he calls the greatest feminist movement, setting women free from pagan cultures where women did all the work while men sat drinking. This is the riches Paul talks about—Christianity setting people free.