That is the reason why R’ Chanina ben Tradyon asked, “Where do I stand in regard to olam haba?” Similarly, that is the rationale for the response given by R’ Yosi, “Were you ever in a challenging situation?” The implication was, “Did you ever carry out an exemplary mitzvah, with pure intent and no ulterior motive?”

This is explained by the Rambam in his Pirush Mishnayos on Makkos concerning the mishnah of R’ Chananya ben Akashya, who stated, “Hashem wanted to grant Klal Yisroel merit; therefore He gave them Torah and mitzvos in abundance.”

HaGaon Moran Harav Shach questions this strange exchange. In light of the mesiras nefesh that R’ Chanina exerted in order to disseminate Torah to the masses at a time when it was absolutely forbidden by the Roman empire, why did R’ Chanina find it necessary to ask R’ Yosi whether he merits olam haba?

R’ Yosi was disturbed. “I am telling you things that are factual and significant; and you are telling me of the supernatural, that from Heaven they will have mercy on you [meaning that R’ Chanina is relying on a miracle]. I would be surprised if they don’t burn you and the Torah in the fire.”

R’ Chanina said to R’ Yosi: “Where do I stand in regard to olam haba?”

So R’ Yosi replied, “Did you ever find yourself placed in a challenging situation?”

The gemara states in Avodah Zarah 18a: “Tanu rabbanan … Our rabbis taught that when R’ Yosi Ben Kisma became ill R’ Chanina ben Tradyon came to visit him.

R’ Yosi said to R’ Chanina: “Chanina, my brother, don’t you know that from Heaven it has been decreed that the Roman nation should be rulers over us? They have destroyed the Bais Hamikdash, burned the Kodesh Kodoshim, killed the righteous ones, and caused His wise men to perish. And yet this ruler continues to exist.