Paul has deliberately introduced the new discussion in a broad way, as a discussion about spiritual things
(1 Corinthians 12:1). Before turning his attention to the gifts of the Spirit, he wishes to remind the Corinthians of the most important work of the Spirit in their lives: leading them from idol-worship to faith in the true God (see also 1 Corinthians 2:6–16).
Many of the Corinthian believers had come from a pagan background (see Acts 18:6). Whereas they were uninformed
in the past (1 Corinthians 12:1), they now know
the truth about pagan religion, namely, that it is the worship of mute idols.
This description of the pagan gods comes straight from the Old Testament (see 1 Kings 18:26, 1 Kings 18:29; Psalm 115:5; Psalm 135:16; Habakkuk 2:18–19).
The words led astray
point to the overwhelming power that the idols (and behind them, Satan and his demons; see 1 Corinthians 10:20–21) used to exert over the Corinthians. These words may even be taken quite literally, as referring to the pagan temple processions.
2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led.