John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 1:4

"who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." — 2 Corinthians 1:4 (ASV)

That we may be able to comfort. There can be no doubt that, as he had a little before cleared his afflictions from reproach and unfavorable reports, so now he instructs the Corinthians that his having emerged victorious through heavenly consolation was for their sake and with a view to their advantage, so that they might stir themselves up to fellowship in suffering, instead of haughtily despising his conflicts.

However, as the Apostle did not live for himself but for the Church, so he reckoned that whatever favors God conferred on him were not given merely for his own sake, but so that he might have greater ability to help others. And, unquestionably, when the Lord confers any favor on us, He, in a way, invites us by His example to be generous to our neighbors. Therefore, the riches of the Spirit are not to be kept to ourselves, but everyone must share with others what he has received.

This, it is true, applies chiefly to ministers of the Word. It is, however, common to all, according to the measure of each. Thus Paul here acknowledges that he had been sustained by the consolation of God, so that he himself might be able to comfort others.