Note 1 at 1 Cor. 10:1: All of Paul's teaching in chapter ten is a continuation of his teaching that was begun in chapter eight about meat offered in sacrifice to idols (see note 2 at 1 Cor. 8:1, p. 898). This is very clear in the latter part of this tenth chapter when he draws his conclusions and applies them back to this matter (vv. 18-33).

In chapter eight, Paul argued against eating this meat that had been sacrificed to idols on the basis of conscience rather than facts of right and wrong (see note 7 at 1 Cor. 8:4, p. 899; see note 14 at 1 Cor. 8:9, p. 901). He continued this logic in the ninth chapter by using himself as an example. He voluntarily waived his rights of marriage and taking his living from the proceeds of the gospel so he could minister better to others (see notes 1-2 at 1 Cor. 9:1, p. 903).

Now he begins a new line of reasoning to make the same point. He warns those who have the superior knowledge that they also are at risk. There is a danger of them being drawn back into idolatry through their association with s and their practices. He cites this very thing happening to the Israelites who came out of Egypt (vv. 1-11). They didn't enter into the promised land because they didn't continue steadfastly in their faith. They went back into idolatry and the same thing could happen to the Corinthians.

So Paul's conclusion and warning is given in verse 12, "let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." These individuals who knew that the meat itself was not polluted should still refrain from eating this food because of the damage it could do to them, as well as others. "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners" (1 Cor. 15:33).