Original sentence: It is an earnest and striking appeal on behalf of the Empire, which was clearly in great danger, and it shows the terms offered to the Church, as well as the importance of the Church at the time.It is arguable that Celsus had insufficient apprehension of the spiritual inclinations that Christianity claimed to satisfy, and he underrated the significance of the Church, regarding it simply as one of a number of warring sects (mostly Gnostic), and so seeing only a mark of weakness.Of more importance than these matters is the light which the book sheds on the strength of the Christian Church about the year 180
Edited sentence: He saw the Christianity of his life time to be simply a number of warring sects (mostly Gnostic), and so seeing only a mark of weakness.It is an earnest and striking appeal on behalf of the Empire, which was clearly in great danger, and it shows the terms offered to the Christian sects, as well as the importance of the various sects at the time.Of more importance than these matters is the light which the book sheds on the strength of  Christianity about the year 180