Although this last part of Colossians does not use the name "friend" to describe JESUS, it is definitely about "friends in CHRIST". There are other scriptures that describe or refer to JESUS as FRIEND:
Matthew 11:19 -
"...the SON OF MAN... a FRIEND of tax collectors and sinners..."
John 15:13
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."
Colossians 4:7-18
Final Greetings
7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear
brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in THE LORD.
8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know
about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother,
who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as
does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions
about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)
11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the
only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of GOD, and they have
proved a comfort to me.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of CHRIST JESUS, sends
greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand
firm in all the will of GOD,
mature and fully assured.
13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at
Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send
greetings.
15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at
Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also
read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter
from Laodicea.
17 Tell Archippus: ‘See to it that you complete the ministry you
have received in THE
LORD.’
18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my
chains. Grace be with you.”
