By the side of the road from Jericho to Jerusalem, a son of Timaeus sat begging. He was called Bartimaeus the blind. It is notable that a name is mentioned: it is probable that for the audience of Peter and the readers of Mark, Bartimaeus was a well-known Christian and that this is the reason why his story, unlike most stories of healing, does not remain anonymous. From Matthew (who does not give the name) we know that Bartimaeus must have had a companion with him who shared in his faith and healing: Matthew speaks of two blind men at the exit of Jericho (Matthew 20:30). Luke tells of a similar healing before Jericho: his story is anonymous (Luke 18:35–43).1
46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside.