[wideawake]

if I understand the history correctly there was not a large Jewish or Israelite community in Rome

The Jewish community in Rome in the 1st century was the largest Jewish community in the world outside of Jerusalem.

Some estimates claim as many as 50,000.

They were officially expelled from the city late in the century because of sectarian violence in the community, but by the beginning of the second century the Jewish population was very noticeable once again.

[wmfights]

"They were officially expelled from the city late in the century because of sectarian violence in the community, but by the beginning of the second century the Jewish population was very noticeable once again."
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My understanding was the expulsions began around 49 AD.

The return date is really not the significant issue, if we are just looking at who founded the church in Rome and who was the first leader of the Roman church.