Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 10:49

"And Jesus stood still, and said, Call ye him. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good cheer: rise, he calleth thee." — Mark 10:49 (ASV)

The loud cry stopped Jesus, and he called the beggar to him. The crowd then completely changed their attitude and encouraged the beggar. Bartimaeus’s response was immediate. The cloak was his outer garment, which he had probably spread on the ground to receive the alms.