This desertion caused Paul to judge Mark unfavorably, and even severely, for a time. Barnabas, on the other hand, was inclined to excuse him because of his inexperience. He felt anxious that Mark should not abandon the ministry, for he saw in him qualifications that would fit him to be a useful worker for Christ. In after years his solicitude in Mark's behalf was richly rewarded, for the young man gave himself unreservedly to the Lord and to the work of proclaiming the gospel message in difficult fields. Under the blessing of God, and the wise training of Barnabas, he developed into a valuable worker.

Denne flugt fra vanskelighederne fik Paulus til for en tid at bedømme Markus ugunstigt, ja, endog strengt. Barnabas var på den anden side tilbøjelig til at undskylde ham på grund af hans manglende erfaring. Han var ængstelig for, om Markus skulle forlade tjenesten for Gud, fordi han så, at Markus havde egenskaber, der kunne gøre ham til en nyttig Kristi tjener. Senere i tiden blev hans omhu for Markus rigeligt lønnet, for den unge mand overgav sig uden forbehold til Herren og til tjenesten med at forkynde evangeliet under vanskelige forhold. Ved Guds nåde og under Barnabas kloge oplæring udviklede han sig til en værdifuld arbejder.