Note 1 at 1Co 10:1: All of Paul's teaching in this chapter is a continuation of his teaching begun in 1Co 8, about meat offered in sacrifice to idols (see note 2 at 1Co 8:1). This is very clear in the latter part of this chapter when he drew his conclusions and applied them back to this matter (1Co 10:18-33).

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

Here, he began a new line of reasoning to make the same point. He warned those who have the superior knowledge that they also were at risk. There was a danger of them being drawn back into idolatry through their association with pagans and their practices. He cited this very thing happening to the Israelites who came out of Egypt (1Co 10:1-11). 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 have happened to the Corinthians.

So, Paul's conclusion and warning are given in 1Co 10:12--"Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." These individuals who knew that the meat itself was not polluted should have still refrained 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" (1Co 15:33).