I understand that there was a deceiver [(from Mivtzar)] who was deceiving in the commandments, as the congregation allowed individuals to volunteer, and afterwards he placed himself against them and seated himself among the sages, as it is written, "The gift of a man will make room for him" (Proverbs 18:16), let him teach us. [And see Midrash Rabbah, and examine the Jerusalem Talmud, Horayot].
Seder_HaDorot,_Tanaim_and_Amoraim.163:1