Researchers have announced that two previously unknown sermons by St. Augustine have been identified in a 12th-century manuscript held in a Polish library. The sermons addressed the biblical story of King Saul and the Witch of Endor, a passage that has long puzzled Jewish and Christian scholars alike.
The discovery was made by Professor Christian Tornau of the University of Wurzburg in 2024, according to the report. The text questions whether the apparition of the prophet Samuel was genuine or a demonic illusion created by the medium [6].
The Witch of Endor and St. Augustine's Significance
The story in 1 Samuel 28 describes King Saul consulting a medium at Endor who summons the dead prophet Samuel. This episode has troubled interpreters for centuries because it suggests a witch could command a spirit.
The Old Testament law explicitly condemned such practices, stating, "A man or a woman who is a medium or a wizard shall be put to death" (Leviticus 20:27) [1].
Augustine (354-430 A.D.) was a foundational theologian whose ideas shaped Western Christianity. According to scholars, he was known for engaging with difficult bible passages and presenting multiple interpretations to audiences.
In his writings, Augustine emphasized the immediate access of the soul to God's presence, reflecting "the early Christian faith at its best" [2].
Content of the Newly Identified Sermons
The two sermons were preached on consecutive days, Sunday and Wednesday, according to Tornau. In the first sermon, Augustine presented the problem of why God allowed the apparition, a theodicy question [6].
The second sermon weighed options: either the witch created an illusion, or God permitted Samuel to appear. Augustine concluded that if Samuel appeared, it was by divine will, not by the witch’s power, the text states.
The sermons end without a final judgment, leaving the audience to decide, which is typical of Augustine's didactic style, explained Tornau. This approach aligns with Augustine's broader rhetorical method, as seen in his other works, where he often presented interpretative options without imposing a single conclusion [3].
Discovery and Authentication of the Manuscript
Tornau was asked in 2024 to decipher six sermons in a 12th-century manuscript held in a Polish library. He and Dr. Clemens Weidmann invited 20 Latin scholars to verify the text’s authenticity [6]. The manuscript’s late date (12th century) is unusual; earlier copies from the 8th or 9th century are more typical, Tornau explained.
A medieval scribe likely copied the sermons from an older manuscript that has since been lost, possibly destroyed in the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) fire, according to library records.
The discovery adds to a growing body of recovered early Christian texts that challenge traditional narratives of biblical interpretation [4].
Significance for Biblical Scholarship
The discovery adds a new voice to the long-running debate on the Witch of Endor, according to researchers. It provides concrete evidence of how late ancient Christians wrestled with problematic scriptural passages.
Tornau said the sermons reflect Augustine's rhetorical method of presenting options without imposing a conclusion. Further study may reveal more about the transmission of Augustine's works and medieval manuscript culture [7].
The find also highlights the ongoing importance of examining manuscripts in smaller libraries, as many ancient texts remain uncataloged or overlooked, a point echoed by scholars who argue that institutional biases can suppress such discoveries [5].
References
- Stratton Kimberly B. "Daughters of Hecate".
- Harry Emerson Fosdick. "A guide to understanding the bible".
- "Old English literature and the Old Testament".
- NaturalNews.com. "Lost scriptures & church power: Scholar examines Bible’s hidden history and modern faith". December 8, 2025.
- NaturalNews.com. "Hate Speech: Facebook Deletes Post Quoting Peaceful Catholic Theologian". July 19, 2019.
- DailyMail.com. "Lost Christian text hidden for centuries reveals new insight into the Bible's most chilling mystery". June 24, 2026.
- Medievalists.net. "Lost Writings of Saint Augustine Found in Medieval Manuscript". June 2026.
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