Medieval notes reveal Augustine's interpretation of Saul's séance

German researchers discovered previously unknown sermon notes from Augustine of Hippo that offer new scholarly insight into 1 Samuel 28, the biblical passage where King Saul consults a medium to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. Augustine, a foundational figure in early Christian theology, had written extensively on scripture and doctrine, and these newly uncovered medieval sermon notes contain his analysis and interpretation of this mysterious encounter. The discovery adds to the body of historical Christian biblical scholarship and represents a significant find for researchers studying Augustine's thought and his approach to difficult scriptural passages. The sermon notes were located during research conducted in Germany and provide fresh perspective on how one of Christianity's most influential theologians understood and explained Saul's act of necromancy and his spiritual disconnection from God at a critical moment in his reign.

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Source: Christianity Today — https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/08/newly-found-augustine-sermons-king-saul-necromancy-witch-endor/